KMA Reports Doctor for 'Illegal Propofol Distribution'... Conducts Internal Disciplinary Action

The Korean Medical Association has initiated a complaint and its own disciplinary procedures against members accused of diverting propofol.

The Korean Medical Association has initiated a complaint and its own disciplinary procedures against members accused of diverting propofol. Representatives of the Medical Association are holding up the complaint in front of the Supreme Prosecutors' Office on the 6th.
[Photo by Korean Medical Association]

The Korean Medical Association recently announced that, regarding members under police investigation for allegedly fabricating surgeries and diverting large quantities of propofol for distribution, it has submitted a disciplinary review to the Central Ethics Committee on the 6th following a resolution by the Standing Board of Directors, and filed a complaint with the Supreme Prosecutors' Office.

The association judged that the allegations against these members constitute a serious matter that could cause distrust in the medical community and social controversy. To ascertain the facts for disciplinary action, the association requested information from the police regarding the members' misconduct. Subsequently, disciplinary review was submitted to the Central Ethics Committee of the Korean Medical Association targeting the members.

That afternoon, Lee Jeong-geun, the full-time vice president, and Jeon Seong-hoon, the director of legal affairs, along with other executives of the association, personally visited the Supreme Prosecutors' Office to submit a complaint against the members for violations of the Medical Service Act and the Narcotics Control Act.

A representative of the association stated, "We will actively respond with strict punishment against members involved in the illegal distribution of propofol and other psychotropic drugs," adding, "we will take firm action and impose severe penalties against acts that violate medical-related laws and medical ethics, damaging the honor of the entire medical community."

The association also argued for the necessity of autonomous disciplinary authority for medical organizations. A representative said, "Under current medical laws, there are no effective legal measures for self-regulation by medical personnel organizations, making it practically difficult even to identify individuals suspected of wrongdoing," and urged, "The National Assembly and government should actively work to grant autonomous disciplinary authority to medical organizations through substantial legal and institutional improvements."

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