South Korea Passes Bill Allowing Nurses to Perform Doctor-Led Procedures Amid Ongoing Strike
South Korea's parliament has approved a significant piece of legislation that permits nurses to carry out specific medical procedures usually performed by doctors. This development comes in response to growing pressure from healthcare workers seeking greater legal protection and support during a prolonged strike by trainee doctors.
For years, nurse advocacy groups and unions have lobbied for a dedicated nursing law to enhance working conditions. However, their efforts have faced strong opposition from the medical community and have been stymied by a lack of bipartisan support within the government.
A Critical Juncture for South Korean Healthcare
The passage of this bill has occurred at a time of mounting concerns over the increased workload and legal responsibilities shouldered by nurses. Since February, thousands of trainee doctors have been on strike, protesting a government plan to increase medical school admissions in an effort to address the country's doctor shortage. The strike has exacerbated the pressure on the healthcare system, particularly as a recent surge in COVID-19 cases threatens to overwhelm hospitals.
In response to these challenges, lawmakers from rival political parties reached a compromise this week, resulting in the new legislation. The bill is designed to establish the legal foundation for government initiatives that allow "physician assistant nurses" to perform certain procedures typically reserved for doctors.
Legislation as a Milestone in Nursing Advocacy
The Korean Nurses Association (KNA), which has long championed the cause of improved working conditions and legal protections for nurses, hailed the passage of the bill as the culmination of a 19-year campaign.
"Today's passage opened the path to establish a nursing care system and realize universal health coverage, while laying the foundation for the state's responsibility to train, dispatch, and secure outstanding nursing personnel," the KNA said in a statement.
Despite this victory, the bill leaves some issues unresolved. Key elements from the original proposal, such as easing qualifications for nursing assistants, have been deferred for further discussion. The government has indicated that these matters will be addressed in future legislative sessions.
Controversy and Criticism from the Medical Community
The Korean Medical Association (KMA), the country's largest organization representing doctors, has been vocal in its opposition to the new legislation. The KMA argues that the bill will create confusion over the roles and responsibilities within healthcare teams, ultimately to the detriment of patient care.
"The medical sector will become a mess due to the prevalence of illegal, unlicensed medical practices and confusion over the scope of work, and the damage will be passed on entirely to ordinary citizens," the KMA stated.
This criticism underscores the deep divisions within South Korea's healthcare system, where tensions between doctors and other healthcare workers have been exacerbated by the ongoing strike.
Government Response and Future Implications
Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong addressed the concerns during a press briefing, emphasizing that the new bill would strengthen support for medical professionals, particularly nurses, who have been on the front lines during the pandemic and the doctors' strike. He urged striking doctors to seek a resolution, highlighting the need for unity within the healthcare sector during this critical time.
The legislation marks a significant shift in South Korea's approach to healthcare, particularly in terms of expanding the role of nurses. As the country continues to grapple with a doctor shortage and the pressures of a protracted pandemic, the success of these new measures will be closely watched by both supporters and critics alike.
