Gov’t to allow doctors with foreign license to practice

May 09, 2024, 11:00 am

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The government held a meeting of the Central Accident Response Headquarters, presided over by Park Min-soo, the second vice minister of health and welfare, on May 8, 2024./ Source: Ministry of Health and Welfare

AsiaToday reporter Roh Sung-woo

Those holding a medica license issued from foreign nations will be allowed to practice medicine in South Korea in the event of a health care crisis, such as walkout by trainee doctors.

The government, which deployed military surgeons and public health doctors to fill in the medical gaps, is intended to prepare for the prolonged medical gap by adding medical support from foreign medical license holders.

The Health Ministry said on Wednesday that it would revise the enforcement regulation of the Medical Service Act. It said it made the prior legislative notice to collect opinions until May 20.

Regarding the reason for the revision, the ministry said it is to respond to the medical gap caused by the shortage of medical personnel in the event of a medical disaster, adding, “It is to protect the lives and health of the public.” Under the revised act, those with medical licenses from foreign countries will be allowed to provide medical services upon the approval of the Health Minister.

As a result, if the government elevates the country’s health care crisis level to “serious,” foreign doctor license holders will be able to provide medical support that the health minister deems necessary.

#foreign doctor license