Under severe criticism for a recent series of ghost surgeries, the medical community is expected to tackle the issue soon aggressively.

The Korean Medical Association (KMA) held an emergency meeting with surgical societies and clinic-running physicians to discuss how to root out the unlicensed medical practice, at the Sheraton Seoul Palace Gangnam Hotel in Seoul, Sunday.

The Korean Medical Association (KMA) holds an emergency meeting with surgical societies and clinic-running physicians to discuss how to root out ghost surgeries, at the Sheraton Seoul Palace Gangnam Hotel in Seoul, Sunday.

“Any physician would agree that they must not allow a ghost surgery. We have organized this meeting to discuss how to prevent this effectively,” said Choi Dae-zip, president of the KMA.

He went on to say, “I heard that a lawmaker would propose a bill to install a security camera at operation rooms in the upcoming regular session of the National Assembly. We will decide on our position on this issue and set a clear stance of the KMA.”

Choi also asked doctors to express their frank opinions about physician assistants’ unlicensed medical practices.

According to a participant, most of academics and physicians agreed with the KMA executives’ opinion that they should take a stern measure to prevent ghost surgeries.

The participants of the meeting also decided to review punishing physicians who encourage or condone a ghost surgery through the KMA’s central ethics committee, and requesting the authorities to investigate the issue simultaneously.

Also, physicians said they would urge the government to give them stronger and practical authority to control KMA members who perform unethical medical practices.

“A ghost surgery is something that must not be done, as physicians allowing it will lose the public trust,” said Bang Sang-hyeok, vice president of the KMA. “Surgical societies and other physicians offered us many pieces of advice. We will review them and come up with an effective measure.”

cks@docdocdoc.co.kr

<© Korea Biomedical Review, All rights reserved.>