Korean medical practitioners warn against unsafe telemedicine expansion

The Korean Medical Association of Private Practitioners (KMAP) has expressed strong opposition to the rapid expansion of telemedicine without adequate safety measures. During a press conference, KMAP officials warned that prioritizing convenience and efficiency over patient safety could lead to misdiagnosis, particularly for acute or severe conditions where physical examinations like checking vital signs are impossible.

KMAP advocates for a conservative approach where telemedicine serves only as a supplementary tool rather than a replacement for in-person visits. They specifically oppose allowing first-time consultations via telemedicine and urge strict regulations to prevent the misuse of prescription drugs, noting that over 10,000 cases of potential drug abuse involving narcotics and psychotropic medicines were identified in pilot programs.

Additionally, the association raised concerns regarding the expansion of traditional Korean medicine practitioners into the dermatology and plastic surgery sectors. They called for government oversight to ensure that medical procedures involving lasers and ultrasound devices do not exceed the legal scope of medical licenses, citing risks of complications such as burns, scarring, and nerve damage.