KMA: "Rapid Antigen Tests Conducted by Non-Physicians Are Not Justifiable"

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Recently, as the Korean Medicine Doctors Association and others have requested rapid antigen testing from quarantine authorities, the Korean Medical Association has opposed this, calling it a "dangerous idea that denies the medical system."

On the 24th, the KMA issued a statement criticizing, "COVID-19 is not just about testing; follow-up processes such as telephone consultations, prescriptions, and treatments for confirmed patients are medical acts performed by doctors. Therefore, for the continuity of care, it is completely inappropriate for other professions to conduct RAT testing."

The KMA pointed out that rapid antigen testing for COVID-19 by non-physician professions such as Korean medicine doctors and dentists could constitute illegal medical practice. The KMA stated, "Under the Medical Service Act, physicians are responsible for medical care and health guidance, dentists for dental care and oral health guidance, and Korean medicine doctors for Korean medicine care and Korean medicine health guidance. Even if certain acts are not explicitly listed as disease prevention or treatment acts requiring examination, diagnosis, prescription, medication, or surgical procedures, acts that could cause public health hazards if not performed by a physician are considered 'medical acts by physicians,'" asserting this position.

The KMA further emphasized, "If medical acts were allowed to other professions simply because they have acquired knowledge, it could be distorted to argue that even laypersons with considerable knowledge in a specific medical field should be permitted to perform medical acts. We must consider whether this would truly benefit public health."

The KMA stated, "Our citizens have the right to safely receive RAT testing from licensed physicians authorized to perform medical acts. We must not instill anxiety about testing among the public," and added, "In a situation where COVID-19 confirmed cases and deaths continue to surge, everyone must remember that this is a time to make every effort to respond to COVID-19 by ensuring continuity of care so that diagnosis and treatment can be conducted together."

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