The Korean Medical Association (KMA) expressed concerns on Thursday, one day before the nationwide implementation of “Integrated Care,” saying it is difficult to conclude that sufficient infrastructure for participation in home healthcare services, including house calls, has been established.
During a regular press briefing, the KMA acknowledged the intent behind the integrated care initiative but cautioned that passing the law does not guarantee effective implementation in practice.
The KMA also highlighted that the compensation system for participating healthcare professionals remains unresolved. They emphasized that for the system to be sustainable, there must be respect for the differentiation of functions within the healthcare system and clear role distinctions among related professional fields, while ensuring collaboration.
The KMA intends to continue voicing its opinions to ensure the integrated care system operates effectively.
Starting Friday, community-based integrated care will be implemented across all local governments nationwide.
This program aims to provide tailored medical, nursing, and caregiving services to support elderly individuals and people with disabilities, enabling them to live healthy lives in their own homes.
In related news, the KMA held a second meeting of the medical policy consultative body with the Ministry of Health and Welfare the previous day at the KMA headquarters in Yongsan, Seoul.
During this meeting, the KMA proposed improvements to the procedures for reinstating medical licenses, refining the criteria for license cancellation, and suggested clarifying patient notification methods for alternative prescriptions.