The medical community has reiterated its opposition to the government's policy to allow foreign doctors to practice in the country, saying it could seriously threaten public health.

At its regular briefing on Wednesday, the Korean Medical Association (KMA) said the association would convey its opposition to the proposed amendment to the enforcement decree of the Medical Service Act to introduce foreign doctors to the Ministry of Health and Welfare after consulting with its affiliated organizations.

Earlier in the day, the Health and Welfare Ministry said it had completed collecting opinions on the proposed amendment, and it would proceed with subsequent procedures, including deliberations at the Ministry of Government Legislation.

However, the KMA saw that introducing foreign doctors would threaten public health.

"The proposed amendment is highly inappropriate as it allows foreign doctors to treat patients uniformly without imposing any qualification restrictions or conditions," the association said. "Even if foreign doctors are allowed to practice in Korea, it should be preceded by a strict pre-approval process and a careful review of their qualifications, as well as recognition of their national licenses."

KMA also pointed out that the proposed amendment fails to define the scope or duration of the foreign physician's practice.

"There is no mention of conditions, including the prohibition of independent medical practice or prior authorization of the scope of medical practice. Nor is there any indication of the point at which medical practice is restricted, suspended, or terminated, other than the severity of the crisis alert," the association said.

It continued, “Therefore, even if it is intended to respond to the medical service gap in the event of a healthcare disaster crisis, the indiscriminate treatment of patients by foreign doctors poses a deadly risk to public health. The Health and Welfare Ministry should withdraw the proposed amendment."