'Operating Room CCTV Installation Act' Fails to Pass Subcommittee... To Be Reconsidered in July

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[Asia Economy Reporter Geum Bo-ryeong] Although it seemed that the ruling and opposition parties were narrowing their differences over the 'Surgical Room CCTV Installation Bill,' it failed to pass the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee's bill review subcommittee.

On the morning of the 23rd, the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee held the 1st Bill Review Subcommittee and examined the amendment to the Medical Service Act, which focuses on the mandatory installation of CCTV in surgical rooms.

During the four sessions of review, both parties reached a consensus on filming in the surgical room based on patient consent and allowing courts and investigative agencies to view footage when lawsuits related to medical accidents arise. Ultimately, the main issues remained whether to install CCTV inside or outside the surgical room and the extent to which the recorded footage can be accessed.

Kim Seong-ju, the ruling party secretary of the Health and Welfare Committee and a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, explained to reporters after the meeting, "The biggest issues are whether to install the CCTV inside the surgical room or in another location, and whether to make installation mandatory or voluntary." He added, "Recently, unauthorized surgeries have occurred. The ruling party demanded prompt handling, stating that if this (bill processing) is delayed, unfortunate incidents could happen."

Kang Ki-yoon, the opposition party secretary and a member of the People Power Party, said, "There is no disagreement between the ruling and opposition parties that unauthorized surgeries, sexual crimes, and illegal medical practices must be eradicated," adding, "We have narrowed down our opinions to create the optimal bill that does not harm the public." He emphasized, "The opposition party absolutely does not oppose this."

However, the bill subcommittee held that day also failed to reach an agreement between the ruling and opposition parties. The related amendment to the Medical Service Act is scheduled to be discussed again in the July National Assembly session.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.