Medical Community Warns: "Easing Medical Technician Work Standards Threatens Public Safety"

Korean Medical Association: "Serious Threat to Public Health"

The medical community has voiced opposition to the amendment of the Medical Technicians Act, which aims to broaden the scope of work for medical technicians. They argue that allowing medical technicians to perform medical procedures independently, without real-time supervision from a physician, could endanger public health.

On April 24, the General Assembly of the Korean Medical Association issued a statement expressing its opposition to the amendment of the "Act on Medical Technicians, etc." (Medical Technicians Act), which is set to be discussed by the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee. The General Assembly of the Korean Medical Association urged, "We strongly call for the immediate halt of legislative attempts that threaten the lives and safety of the public."

Uijeok Hall, Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Currently, the Medical Technicians Act defines a medical technician as "a person who engages in medical treatment or medical-chemical testing under the guidance of a physician or dentist." In contrast, the proposed amendment would allow medical technicians to perform work not only under a physician's guidance but also based on prescriptions or referrals.

The General Assembly of the Korean Medical Association pointed out, "If medical technicians make independent judgments and take action without the direct guidance or supervision of a physician, it would be nearly impossible to respond immediately to sudden changes in a patient's condition," adding, "This could result in serious harm to public health."

The statement continued, "Although the government and the office of the law's sponsor are justifying the amendment on the grounds of facilitating integrated care, pilot projects already in operation have proven that home rehabilitation is fully feasible under a physician's 'guidance' using two-way communication tools." They further criticized, "Forcing through this legislative amendment constitutes an abuse of legislative power that will undermine the medical system."

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