Patient group calls on government to consider rapid introduction of overseas-licensed doctors

A patient is seen at a major hospital in Seoul on Thursday. Yonhap

By Jun Ji-hye

The Korean Serious Illness Association, one of the major patient groups in Korea, has asked the Health Ministry to hold a public hearing on the introduction of doctors with licenses issued in foreign countries, in response to the he prolonged impasse between the government and doctors which led to significant consequences. disruptions to medical services.

The association said Thursday that it had sent a letter to the ministry the day before, emphasizing the need to hold a public hearing.

“It is time for the government to consider countermeasures, including the early introduction of foreign medical license holders, as there are already hundreds of such medical professionals in Korea,” the association said .

The request comes as there is no sign of progress in the impasse that began in February since Yoon Suk Yeol’s administration announced its policy to increase the annual quota for college admissions of Medicine.

Amid a prolonged disruption of medical services, the Ministry of Health announced on May 8 that it would revise the Medical Law Implementation Regulations to allow those who have acquired a doctor’s license in other countries to practice medicine in Korea after approval when the country issues the highest license. national health crisis alert.

Because the revision does not require foreign medical license holders to take exams here, the plan has faced fierce opposition from the country’s doctors.

The association said: “There have been many opposing views, but in reality many patients and people believe the government should allow foreign medical license holders to practice medicine here to avoid further disruption to services medical.

Regarding this request, the ministry took a cautious stance, saying that although it had considered measures to introduce doctors with foreign licenses in the event of a serious health crisis, holding a public hearing on this matter would not was not under study at the moment.

“The decision must be made after thoroughly considering many aspects. We will continue to closely monitor the development of the situation,” Kim Guk-il, a senior ministry official, said at a press briefing. .