"'Non-face-to-face Medical Care' Led by Medical Community, Managed by Government, Supported by Industry Must Be Established"

Remote Medical Industry Council 2nd Regular General Meeting
'Five Promises' Reflecting Industry's Self-Regulation Efforts
Calls for Medical Consumer Participation in Institutionalization Discussions

At the regular general meeting of the Remote Medical Industry Council held on the 21st, member companies pledged the 'Five Promises of the Non-face-to-face Medical Mediation Platform' and took a commemorative photo.
Photo by Lee Gwanju

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] As the institutionalization of non-face-to-face medical treatment is being actively promoted, the telemedicine platform industry emphasized its commitment to establishing a “non-face-to-face medical treatment system led by the medical community, managed by the government, and supported by the industry.”

The Telemedicine Industry Council (Wonsanhyeop) under the Korea Startup Forum held its 2nd regular general meeting on the 21st and pledged the “Five Promises of Non-Face-to-Face Medical Treatment Brokerage Platforms” reflecting this purpose. Specifically, Wonsanhyeop promised ▲to stop using prescription drugs in advertising materials ▲to thoroughly protect users’ personal information ▲to firmly respond to partner institutions violating related laws ▲to restrict partnerships with non-face-to-face specialized hospitals and delivery-specialized pharmacies ▲and to comply with the “Temporary Non-Face-to-Face Medical Treatment Brokerage Platform Guidelines.”

Each item addresses major issues that have sparked controversy regarding non-face-to-face medical platforms. These are matters mainly pointed out by the medical community, and the industry’s pledge to continue self-regulation efforts ahead of the institutionalization of non-face-to-face medical treatment is interpreted as a strong will to do so. Notably, the restriction on partnerships with non-face-to-face specialized hospitals and delivery-specialized pharmacies stands out. By not partnering with institutions that deviate from the existing medical system, they aim to prevent damage to the medical system and clarify that non-face-to-face medical treatment is only a “complement” to face-to-face treatment.

Wonsanhyeop also stated that it will support the establishment of a non-face-to-face medical treatment system led by the medical community and managed by the government. Jang Ji-ho, co-chairman of Wonsanhyeop, said, “Since the temporary allowance of non-face-to-face medical treatment, 34 million consultations have been conducted without a single accident, thanks to the capabilities and dedication of frontline medical staff.” He emphasized, “Korea, equipped with the best medical personnel, IT technology, and medicine delivery technology, can perform non-face-to-face medical treatment better than any other country in the world. It is very important that institutionalization proceeds quickly so that we can compete globally.”

As the government plans to pursue legal amendments for the institutionalization of non-face-to-face medical treatment by June next year, Wonsanhyeop also plans to continue its efforts in line with this. To this end, Wonsanhyeop intends to promote a National Assembly forum for next year’s legislation, smooth communication with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, joint technology development with non-face-to-face medical companies, and the establishment of a statutory organization. Chairman Jang said, “I hope the non-face-to-face medical treatment system will be established as one led by the medical community, managed by the government, and supported by the industry.”

Meanwhile, at the general meeting, there was also an opinion that medical consumers should participate in the ongoing discussions on the institutionalization of non-face-to-face medical treatment. Kwak Eun-kyung, Secretary General of Consumer Watch, in her presentation “Institutionalization of Non-Face-to-Face Medical Treatment from the Consumer Perspective,” emphasized, “Remote medical treatment has greatly contributed to filling medical gaps for patients with time and space constraints such as the elderly, parents with young children, and workers,” and added, “Institutionalization is necessary for all medical consumers, and public opinion should be reflected in this process.”

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