Controversy over the installation of CCTV in the operating room is nothing new. (image: Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, May 20 (Korea Bizwire) — Controversy is heating up over the pros and cons of installing closed-circuit television (CCTV) in operating rooms as a bill requiring the installation of CCTV cameras in operating rooms was scrapped a day after it was proposed.
The medical community is at odds with the position of patient advocacy groups that the CCTV law is needed to prevent unauthorized replacement surgery and cover up medical accidents.
Meanwhile, doctors claim that CCTV will discourage medical professionals from practicing medicine.
Controversy over the installation of CCTV in the operating room is nothing new.
A related bill was also proposed in the 19th National Assembly, but failed to pass in the face of opposition from the medical community.
However, calls for CCTV were rekindled later in the wake of allegations that an unqualified person performed an operation in the operating room, and allegations that doctors had tried to cover up medical accidents.
Rep. Ahn Gyu-baek, a member of the ruling Democratic Party, proposed the installation of CCTV in the operating room on May 14.
However, the bill was scrapped the next day when five out of 10 people who were listed on the bill’s proposal withdrew their support.
Earlier, a group of patients held a 100-day one-man relay protest in front of the National Assembly, urging the government to legislate the installation of CCTV cameras.
The Korean Medical Association (KMA), on the other hand, maintains its stance against the installation of CCTV in the operating room.
The KMA argues that installing CCTV cameras in the operating room would discourage medical personnel from taking care of patients and hinder active medical practices for patients.
There is also worry that the privacy of everyone involved could be violated, and the trust between medical staff and patients could be destroyed.
D. M. Park (dmpark@koreabizwire.com)
