Emergency medicine specialists oppose South Korean medical law amendment

The Korean Association of Emergency Medicine has expressed strong opposition to the proposed amendment to the Emergency Medical Service Act, which aims to prevent emergency room refusals. According to a survey conducted by the association, 93% of emergency medicine specialists oppose the bill.

Critics argue that the legislation is coercive and fails to address the root causes of why hospitals cannot accept patients, such as shortages in personnel, facilities, and equipment. Specifically, 96% of respondents opposed provisions requiring medical institutions to report inability to accept patients to a central emergency medical situation room, and 92% opposed clauses that would mandate acceptance of patients designated by central authorities.

Lee Hyung-min, president of the association, stated that the bill focuses on making it appear as though refusals are not happening rather than solving the actual problem. He warned that forcing hospitals to accept patients without the necessary specialized staff or surgical capacity could endanger both existing and newly transferred patients. The association is calling for the inclusion of field experts in the legislative process and the establishment of clear legal immunity for medical staff.