A flurry of opposition is dominating the government website, asking for opinions about a proposed amendment to the Medical Service Act enforcement decree. The amendment would allow foreign licensees to practice medicine in the country during a "severe" health crisis alert.

A week is left in the administrative notice period, but more than 1,000 online objections have been filed.

Last Wednesday, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that it would submit the amendment to the implementing rules of the Medical Service Act by next Monday.

As of 6 p.m. Monday, there were 1,376 comments on the amendment's electronic public hearing, 1,232 against, 55 in favor, and 89 others.

According to opposing views, many said that the fundamental problem should be solved rather than allowing foreign doctors to practice in Korea.

There were diverse opposing comments as follows.

“If there is a problem with our healthcare system, it is the government's job to think of a solution to the underlying problem.” “I oppose it because the quality of medical care is declining, and we cannot develop Korean doctors in the long run.” “If we get sick, we will go to a foreign country. Please charter a plane.” “It's the Korean government's job to make policies to help trainee doctors who have left the medical field return to the field, not the other way around, so please think carefully about whether it's the right policy to use foreign doctors in the medical field to resolve the shortage of doctors.” “Ranking officials don't even trust the quality of regional medical care in Korea and favor Big Five hospitals in Seoul while telling ordinary citizens to trust unproven foreign doctors.”

On the other hand, those in favor left the following comments.

“I strongly support the recruitment of qualified and well-educated foreign doctors.” “The government is responsible for the lives of its citizens, so, of course, it should bring in foreign doctors.” “Doctors should prioritize sincerity and love for patients over skill. I hope there are more sincere doctors regardless of nationality in areas that need primary healthcare.”

Meanwhile, among the amendments that the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced through electronic public hearings this year, the amendment that received the most comments for and against was the administrative preview of the 'Enactment of the Registration Standards for the National Mind Investment Support Project,” which was administratively previewed on April 22.

The amendment, which established the “National Mind Investment Support Project Provider Facility Standards” and “National Mind Investment Support Project Provider Staffing and Qualification Standards,” received 2,147 comments in favor and 3,966 comments in opposition.

Besides, about 100 comments, including three in favor and 96 against, were posted on the legislative preview of the amendment to the Enforcement Decree of the National Health Insurance Act, which sets the co-payment rate for outpatient medical treatment at 90 percent of the total cost of medical benefits for those who receive more than 365 outpatient medical visits per year.

Most other legislative and administrative preview amendments received no or less than 10 comments.