Controversy over decision to allow foreign doctors to practice in Korea

On May 10, South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said that the South Korean government will implement measures to prevent foreign doctors from practicing in the country without valid documents.

Patients wait to see a doctor at a major hospital in Seoul on May 10. Photo: YONHAP

Speaking at a meeting with government officials on May 10, Mr. Han Duck-soo stated that under any circumstances, foreign doctors without valid documents will not be allowed to participate in treating Korean people.

According to Yonhap news agency, the South Korean Ministry of Health announced earlier that individuals with foreign medical degrees can practice in South Korea, as the government issued its highest warning of a medical disaster.

This is a decision to adjust the regulations implementing the National Health Act, in the context of the severe disruption of the health crisis in Korea over the past several months. This amendment is a preparation in case the current crisis lasts longer.

However, according to The Korea Times, there is currently a debate in Korean society about this decision. Supporters say this is an inevitable option if the disruption of medical services continues to worsen.

Opponents, on the other hand, argue that it will be difficult to ensure the professional qualifications of foreign licensees, as they will be able to bypass the relatively complicated procedures that domestic doctors must complete to legally practice medicine in Korea. Furthermore, it will be difficult to determine who is responsible in the event of a medical accident.

KHANH HUNG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/tranh-cai-ve-quyet-dinh-cho-phep-bac-si-nuoc-ngoai-hanh-nghe-tai-han-quoc-post739263.html