Although surgical procedures require certain pre- and post-op measures such as illness monitoring, counseling, and checkups, local clinics are unable to provide such services due to the low government subsidies provided to doctors. (image: Pixabay)
SEOUL, Apr. 26 (Korea Bizwire) — Patients opting to carry out surgical procedures at their neighborhood clinic will be able to get the specific lowdown on details of surgical procedures, treatment methods and post-op care through in-depth medical checkups and consultations.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare revealed plans on Tuesday to pursue measures that would create a separate category allowing for subsidies to be paid to doctors at local clinic levels for systematic consultation and checkups before and after surgical procedures.
Although surgical procedures require certain pre- and post-op measures such as illness monitoring, counseling, and checkups, local clinics are unable to provide such services due to the low government subsidies provided to doctors. This, then, trickles down to less time spent by doctors on educating and consulting patients.
Moreover, the Ministry has approved an increase of 30 percent in subsidies for relatively simple surgical procedures such as stiches that are carried out in the evening (between 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. the next morning) and on Saturdays and holidays starting in June.
The Ministry expects the changes to appeal to both clinics and patients alike as local clinics will be more likely to be open in the evening and on holidays, allowing for better access for working adults who would otherwise find it difficult to seek treatment during typical business hours.
The Ministry has also decided to implement house calls for children under the age of 18 with serious illnesses commencing in September. A medical team composed of doctors, nurses and physical therapists are expected to treat the young patients.
The Ministry has also decided to subsidize Cyramza, a stomach cancer medication manufactured by Eli Lilly Korea via the national health care program. According to this new measure, the total cost for four weeks of medication should drop from approximately 5 million won to 190,000 won.
H. S. Seo (hsseo@koreabizwire.com)
