MoHW plans to toughen punishment for re-using syringes(The Korea Times)
Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to toughen sanctions doctors who re-used disposable syringe, but is it the solution to the sequel of commercialized health care?
#iatrogenic_infection #health_care #commercialization
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By Lee Kyung-min The Ministry of Health and Welfare urged the National Assembly, Monday, to pass a revision to the Medical Law to strengthen punishment of doctors who re-use disposable syringes, before the provisional session of the 19th Assembly ends.The move follows the discovery of hundreds of cases of hepatitis C because of the re-use of disposable syringes at a clinic in Wonju, Gangwon Province, and Dana Clinic in southwestern Seoul. Under the revision, doctors who inflict harm by re-using disposable medical instruments will be deprived of their medical licenses immediately, and following a trial could face up to five years in jail or a fine of 20 million won ($16,000). The ministry will also prevent clinics from closing before it can complete an epidemiological investigation to determine the cause of the infection, and punish those found responsible. Currently, those suspected of re-using syringes are suspended for one month. Under the revised law, doctors could face criminal charges for professional negligence resulting in injury. Meanwhile, the ministry said it would pay for the treatment costs of patients infected at the Wonju clinic. The announcement came after a doctor, surnamed Roh, 59 who was under investigation for re-using disposable syringes at his clinic, was found dead last Friday before he was due to face a second round of police questioning. “We recognize the sudden predicament of such patients and we will have talks with municipalities to provide proper support,” a ministry official said. The ministry plans to cover treatment costs for now and to seek reimbursement after filing a civil lawsuit against Roh’s family. If the family refuses to pay, a judge can allow Roh’s property to be sold through public auction. Earlier, the Wonju Community Health Center had asked the Korea Center of Disease Control and Prevention to pay over 6 million won per person for 245 patients who need immediate medical treatment. According to the center, as of Monday, of 2,489 patients tested, 245 were confirmed to have the disease, up from 115, Feb. 10. They were among the 15,433 patients suspected of being infected after receiving injections. |