[Yoon Seok-yeol Elected] KMA: "Establish Healthcare Policies Reflecting Field Experts' Opinions... Boost Medical Staff Morale"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] The Korean Medical Association (KMA) issued a statement on the 10th expressing hope that President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol will incorporate expert opinions into health and medical policies and boost the morale of medical staff who have been fighting on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a press release titled "A Message to President-elect Yoon Seok-yeol," the KMA said, "In the case of health and medical care, it is the field that must be prioritized most urgently amid the current COVID-19 pandemic," adding, "The ideal vision held by our 140,000 medical association members is a world where doctors can practice medicine most professionally, without oppression from flawed systems or excessive legal penalties, and confidently provide the necessary medical care to patients."

The KMA first urged that policies be promoted reflecting the opinions of experts working on the ground. The association pointed out, "Until now, government policies have often been somewhat disconnected from the reality of medical care in our country," explaining, "This is because policies that do not align with medical realities have been continuously implemented based on the mistaken views of some scholars without sufficient discussion or communication with expert organizations." It emphasized, "Policies must be established through a 'bottom-up' approach that fully incorporates the opinions of field experts."

The KMA also requested boosting the morale of healthcare workers. It stated, "Even in the recent two-year battle against COVID-19, medical personnel have risked infection to do their best to protect the lives of the people," and asked, "We kindly request recognition of the dedication and efforts of these medical workers, along with appropriate compensation and respect corresponding to their sacrifices."

Additionally, the KMA demanded ▲ preparation for the health insurance financial crisis ▲ reorganization of medical and care systems ▲ establishment of a Ministry of Health as a control tower for infectious disease crisis response ▲ and establishment of an essential medical care system. The association said, "Health and medical policies must be approached with even greater responsibility because medical care itself is a highly specialized field and, above all, it is an area that safeguards the lives and safety of the people," adding, "The Korean Medical Association and our 140,000 members will cooperate to the fullest extent so that the new president and government can protect the people and carry out proper health and medical policies, and we will not hesitate to offer constructive criticism when necessary."

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