KMA-Nursing Assistant Association Urge Withdrawal of Nursing Act... "Will Hinder Healthcare Professional Cooperation"

Demand to Repeal Nursing Act... Some Shave Heads in Protest

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee] Organizations including the Korean Medical Association and the Korean Licensed Practical Nurses Association held a rally condemning the National Assembly's attempt to enact the Nursing Act, declaring they will block the legislation until the end and push for its repeal.

On the afternoon of the 22nd, they held the "National Rally to Block the Nursing Act" in front of Yeouido Park in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, stating that the Nursing Act is a harmful law that damages public health and undermines the healthcare system.

Lee Pil-su, president of the Medical Association, said about the Nursing Act, "Not only does it exacerbate conflicts over the scope of work among professions and cause confusion in medical settings due to the proliferation of individual laws, but it will also collapse the current healthcare system and hinder cooperation among medical professionals."

He also shouted, "The enactment of the Nursing Act means that only nurses will be rewarded for their dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic, so who will compensate the sweat and efforts of other healthcare professions?"

President Lee of the Medical Association and Gwak Ji-yeon of the Licensed Practical Nurses Association shaved their heads demanding the repeal of the Nursing Act, and after the rally, these organizations marched to the National Assembly demanding the abolition of the Nursing Act.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee held a plenary session on the 17th and passed the Nursing Act, which includes improvements to nurses' treatment and scope of work.

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