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# In August 2023, while a domestic cable channel introduced a case of using functional insoles for degenerative arthritis, an oriental medicine doctor explained the product as if it was a medical device effective in treating the disease and received a warning from the Korea Communications Standards Commission.
# In September 2023, a health information program on a general programming channel broadcast about the hair loss prevention effect of a patient who consumed apple powder, and a family medicine and dermatologist appeared and explained that the ingredients in the apple help with the growth of scalp cells and hair. He was sanctioned by the Korea Communications Standards Commission for presenting opinions.
As in the case above, an amendment to the Medical Service Act was proposed to suspend the medical qualifications of medical practitioners who provide false information for one year. The amendment also includes strengthening cooperation between the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Communications Standards Commission, including monitoring broadcasters that provide incorrect health-related information.
Kim Yoon, a member of the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee and a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, proposed the ‘Show Doctor Prevention Act (amendments to the Medical Service Act, Pharmaceutical Affairs Act, and Broadcasting Act)’ to prevent medical personnel from disseminating false medical information through broadcasting and social networking services (SNS). It was announced on the 7th.
Previously, in 2019, a famous oriental medicine doctor sparked controversy by claiming absurd medical information on a TV entertainment show that paralysis can be prevented with a water spa. The practice of medical professionals providing false information about health care on broadcasts and social media and using this information to advertise specific foods and products continues to this day.
According to data submitted by Rep. Kim from the Korea Communications Standards Commission, there have been 84 cases of sanctions for violating Article 42 (medical practice, etc.) of the Broadcasting Deliberation Regulations over the past six years (2019 to July 2024). . Medical professionals were mainly sanctioned for appearing on broadcasts and providing information that was not based on facts or for blatantly promoting specific products or hospitals.
Accordingly, the amendment (Medical Service Act and Pharmaceutical Affairs Act) strengthened sanctions so that if a medical professional appears on broadcast and provides false information about health care, the license may be suspended for up to one year.
In addition, the amendment (Broadcasting Act) allows the Korea Communications Standards Commission to monitor whether false information about health, medicine, and pharmaceutical information is provided in broadcast programs in order to sanction and monitor broadcasts that feature Show Doctor, and related ministries and agencies. It contains information that allows you to request cooperation from related organizations.
Rep. Kim Yoon said, “It is absolutely unacceptable for medical professionals to appear on broadcasts and social media such as YouTube to provide incorrect medical information and to mislead the public by promoting foods as if they are effective.” He added, “Due to some unscrupulous show doctors, many He emphasized, “In order to prevent medical professionals from being criticized, the amendment must be passed as soon as possible.”
Reporter Park Byeong-tak [email protected]
