KMA: "Golden Time for Mental and Psychological Treatment Must Not Be Missed for Victims' Families and Injured in Itaewon Disaster"

On the 17th of last month, Lee Pil-su, president of the Korean Medical Association, delivered a greeting at the opening ceremony of the Korean Medical Association Itaewon Disaster Medical Coordination Center.
[Photo by the Korean Medical Association]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwanju] The Korean Medical Association (KMA) emphasized on the 15th the importance of intensive follow-up management for trauma and announced that support and assistance can be received at the Medical Referral Center operated by the KMA.

Since last month, the KMA has been operating a Medical Referral Center that matches injured victims and bereaved families of the Itaewon disaster with specialized medical institutions when it is determined during counseling at the National Trauma Center that medical treatment is necessary or if the individuals wish, enabling them to receive appropriate medical care. Currently, 107 medical institutions are participating.

In the case of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), it is difficult to suddenly be completely cured or to entirely forget memories of the incident, and symptoms can manifest in various ways. Efforts from not only the affected individuals but also those around them are required, and in most cases, long-term management is necessary.

Lee Pil-su, President of the KMA, stated, "To overcome the trauma of the Itaewon disaster victims and bereaved families, it is a situation where not only the individuals themselves but also those around them need to actively seek counseling from experts and treatment from psychiatrists." He emphasized, "The KMA will provide maximum support so that the bereaved families and injured victims of the Itaewon disaster can receive medical care without inconvenience."

The Medical Referral Center, located on the 4th floor of the Korean Medical Association building, can be accessed through counseling at the National Trauma Center, and those registered in the NDMS (National Disaster Management System) are eligible for full government funding.

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