SEOUL, Oct. 27 (Korea Bizwire) — A South Korean court has overturned a disciplinary order against a dentist who prescribed and took hair-loss medication for himself, ruling the action did not constitute unlicensed medical practice.
The Seoul Administrative Court said it had sided with the dentist, identified by his surname A, who filed a suit to reverse the Health Ministry’s decision to suspend his license for one month and 15 days.
The ministry had argued that self-prescribing a prescription-only drug violated medical law, which bars anyone from performing medical acts without proper authorization.
The dentist purchased and took the medication between February and April 2021. Authorities alleged that even licensed professionals may not perform treatments outside the bounds of their specific medical qualifications.
In its ruling, the court found no legal basis to classify his behavior as a violation, stating that the intent of restrictions on unlicensed medical practice is to prevent harm to others and protect public health.
“Providing treatment to oneself falls within the private sphere,” the court wrote, adding that patients retain a constitutional right to make autonomous choices regarding their bodies and medical care.
The ruling noted there was no evidence the dentist prescribed or administered the drug to others, and said existing laws do not list self-treatment among grounds for license suspension.
The Health Ministry has not yet commented on whether it will appeal.
Jerry M. Kim (jerry_kim@koreabizwire.com)
