[Reporter’s Notebook] A Divided Medical Community Even Amid Tragedy: The People Come First

On the 4th, during the national mourning period following the Itaewon tragedy, citizens continue to visit the memorial space set up around Itaewon Station in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-joo] Two days after the Itaewon disaster, on the 31st of last month, a joint memorial altar for the victims was set up at Seoul Plaza. In response, the Korean Medical Association (KMA) established a clinic operated by an emergency medical support team beside the altar. The purpose was to monitor the health of the bereaved families and mourners visiting the altar. Later that same afternoon, the '13 Health and Welfare Medical Solidarity,' which includes the KMA and 13 other health and welfare organizations, issued a statement declaring, "As one team, the Health and Welfare Medical Solidarity will spare no effort in providing various medical supports, including trauma recovery assistance for the injured and bereaved families in their respective fields." It is commendable that the medical community has actively stepped up to support the entire nation, which is suffering from large and small psychological traumas due to the major disaster.

However, there is one organization excluded from all of this: the Korean Nurses Association (KNA). The Korean Association of Nurse Assistants joined the clinic support operated by the KMA. Yet, the KNA is not included in the 13 Health and Welfare Medical Solidarity. This is natural because the 13 Health and Welfare Medical Solidarity itself is a coalition of health and medical professional groups opposing the enactment of the Nursing Act. Separately, the KNA has issued a statement expressing condolences for the Itaewon disaster and, together with the Korean Society of Psychiatric Nurses, is supporting government disaster psychological support participation and online psychological counseling. Even in the face of a disaster that shocked the entire nation, the medical community has been divided into 'your side' and 'my side.'

After the Nursing Act bill passed the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee in May, the confrontation between supporters and opponents has become even more intense. They are voicing their opinions not in medical settings but on the streets through one-person protests and rallies in front of the National Assembly, engaging in a public opinion battle. Expressing opinions on specific issues in a democratic society is perfectly natural. However, severe conflicts will inevitably leave wounds on one side or the other, whether the Nursing Act is enacted or not. The Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT), which carried out devoted rescue activities at the scene on the day of the Itaewon disaster, usually consists of one doctor, one nurse, and one paramedic. The Nursing Act conflict should be set aside for now; this is the time for everyone to unite their strength.

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