Controversy Over Dr. Shin Hyun-young's Ride in Doctor Car Leads to Administrative Sanctions for Myongji Hospital and Central Emergency Medical Center

Disclosure of Ministry of Health and Welfare Inspection Results
Myeongji Hospital DMAT Detoured to Pick Up Shin Clinic
Central Emergency Center Confirms Hotline Number Leak

Regarding the controversy over Rep. Shin Hyun-young of the Democratic Party of Korea 'boarding the doctor car' during the Itaewon disaster last year, the Ministry of Health and Welfare decided to impose administrative measures such as corrective orders on Myongji Hospital and the Central Emergency Medical Center. Through a work inspection, it was confirmed that the Central Emergency Medical Center leaked the direct phone (hotline) information of Myongji Hospital, and the Disaster Medical Assistance Team (DMAT) of Myongji Hospital, which was supposed to go directly to the site, turned back to accommodate Rep. Shin's boarding.

Shin Hyun-young, member of the Democratic Party of Korea. [Photo by Yonhap News]

The Ministry of Health and Welfare disclosed on the 16th the results of a work inspection conducted last month on Myongji Hospital and the Central Emergency Medical Center regarding the delay in DMAT dispatch from Myongji Hospital and the leakage of the disaster medical emergency direct phone during the Itaewon disaster.

First, Myongji Hospital was held accountable for neglecting its duties as a disaster base hospital and was ordered to comply with corrective measures by May 1. According to the disaster emergency medical emergency response manual, DMAT is required to move immediately to the target location upon receiving a dispatch request. However, it was investigated that Myongji Hospital's DMAT adopted a detour that delayed arrival at the site to allow a person who was not a DMAT member to board after departure. It was also confirmed that a regular vehicle was used instead of an emergency vehicle, which is granted traffic privileges during dispatch.

Additionally, after arriving at the Itaewon accident site, it was found that a disaster site access pass was provided to an unauthorized person who was not a member of Myongji Hospital's DMAT. It was also revealed that the guidelines for test driving disaster medical support vehicles, which should be regularly managed and inspected for emergency dispatch, were not followed. The Ministry of Health and Welfare ordered Myongji Hospital to submit a plan for preventive measures within ten days and warned that failure to comply would result in suspension of financial support, reduction of emergency medical fees, and cancellation of designation as a regional emergency medical center in case of recurrence.

Myeongji Hospital Regional Emergency Medical Center stock photo. [Photo by Asia Economy DB]

The Central Emergency Medical Center was confirmed to have leaked the hotline number of Myongji Hospital, violating the purpose of establishing a hotline for rapid and consistent response among related agencies in the event of a disaster. The Ministry of Health and Welfare ordered the revision of the Central Emergency Medical Situation Room's work manual by May 1 and demanded accountability from the employee who leaked the hotline information.

Furthermore, to address the issues identified in disaster response during the Itaewon disaster, the Ministry plans to improve systems through amendments to laws and manuals. First, to prevent recurrence of cases like Myongji Hospital, a new obligation will be established for emergency medical personnel and institutions to comply with the disaster emergency medical emergency response manual, and legal amendments will be pursued to prohibit acts that interfere with DMAT's disaster response activities.

To strengthen response capabilities in the event of mass casualties, the disaster emergency medical emergency response manual will be revised within the first half of the year, and measures will be prepared to establish and enhance joint training systems among related on-site response agencies such as fire departments, public health centers, and DMAT.

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