KNA: "Nursing Workforce Measures Should Not Be Politicized as a Tool to Block the Enactment of the Nursing Act"

The Korea Nurses Association (KNA) expressed welcome for the government's announced 'Comprehensive Measures to Support Nursing Workforce' while stating that it should not be used as a tool to block the enactment of the Nursing Act.

Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyuhong is announcing a comprehensive support plan for nursing personnel on the 25th at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dongju doso7@

On the 26th, the KNA released a statement evaluating that "the measures have been comprehensively and systematically prepared, from nurturing nursing personnel to securing skilled nursing staff."

They added, "The fact that these measures could be prepared through a democratic deliberation process involving not only the association but also hospitals, health and medical labor organizations, and experts over a long period was made possible by the government's establishment of a dedicated nursing policy department in 2021," expressing gratitude to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Nursing Policy Division for their efforts.

However, the KNA pointed out that since these measures are part of health and medical policy, it is difficult to guarantee their effectiveness without changes in other health and medical resource policies such as those concerning doctors and medical institutions. They also noted that some policies, such as the institution-centered visiting nursing integrated centers, have not been verified for effectiveness in terms of historical evaluation or infrastructure acquisition, and that more discussion is needed regarding detailed staffing standards for integrated nursing and care services in concentrated care beds, along with the need to prepare specific financial support plans.

The KNA also drew a clear distinction between these measures and the enactment of the Nursing Act. The association emphasized, "We sternly demand that the ruling party and the Ministry of Health and Welfare do not use these measures as a political tool to block the enactment of the Nursing Act and thereby diminish its significance."

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