Controversy Erupts Over South Korea's New Nursing Law
On October 20, Park Yong-eon, Vice President of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), ignited controversy with his derogatory comments directed at nurses following the enactment of South Korea's new Nursing Act. In a Facebook post, Park made statements such as "Stop showing off" and "You’re being arrogant," which quickly drew public backlash.
His post was a reaction to the Nursing Association’s announcement titled "Nursing Association Welcomes the Enactment of the Nursing Act." Park stated, "If you were going to act like this, you should have gone to medical school," criticizing nurses for what he perceives as an overstepping of boundaries. He also added, "You’re confusing yourself as a player in a game when you're just a pawn," reflecting his disdain for the celebration surrounding the new law.
Despite the ensuing controversy and media scrutiny, Park posted twice more without retracting his statements. He expressed surprise at the level of attention his comments received, saying, "I never expected such interest in my posts. I won’t delete or change anything. Stop showing off; it’s embarrassing." He elaborated that his anger stemmed from witnessing nurses celebrate a law he believes displaces resident doctors. "They’re cheering for this ridiculous law that replaces resident doctors with nurses," he explained.
In contrast, the Korean Nursing Association welcomed the new law, stating it clarifies the roles and responsibilities of nurses, which is essential for ensuring safe healthcare for the public. The Nursing Act, passed by the National Assembly on September 28, aims to provide a legal framework for physician assistants, especially significant after a mass exodus of resident doctors.
Im Hyun-taek, President of the KMA, criticized the law, referring to it as a "selfish law benefiting nurses," and warned that it could lead to rampant illegal medical practices and chaos within healthcare facilities.
Journalist’s Perspective
This ongoing dispute highlights the tension within South Korea's healthcare system, especially as it adapts to significant changes following the recent departure of resident doctors. While the Nursing Act seeks to empower nurses and clarify their roles, it also raises concerns about the potential overlap with medical responsibilities.
Critics like Park Yong-eon argue that the law could compromise the quality of medical care and patient safety. On the flip side, proponents believe it is a necessary reform that acknowledges the critical role nurses play in healthcare. As the situation evolves, fostering constructive dialogue among healthcare professionals will be crucial to ensuring that patient care remains the primary focus.
