In a revised bill, approved during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday morning, cancer, mental illness, and suicide, which were previously not included in the official occupational health standards, were added to the list. (image: KobizMedia/ Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, July 26 (Korea Bizwire) – The Ministry of Personnel Management revealed Tuesday that cancer, depression, and the suicide of public service members will now be recognized as official occupational health incidents if they’re related to official duties.
Occupational health incidents refer to illnesses or injuries related to, or resulting from, official work duties.
In a revised bill, approved during a Cabinet meeting Tuesday morning, cancer, mental illness, and suicide, which were previously not included in the official occupational health standards, were added to the list. The concerned articles were formerly only recognized as occupational health incidents in industrial accidents.
According to the ministry, PTSD, depression, and suicide, if they are closely related to official duties, can be recognized as official occupational health diseases.
Furthermore, the Government Employees Pension Corporation, responsible for reimbursing public servants for various accidents and illnesses, will directly consult medical facilities for a professional investigation to determine whether ‘special diseases’, such as rare types of cancer and leukemia are related to the patient’s official duties.
Prior to the amendment, patients were responsible for proving the relationship between their occupational duties and any illness.
The payment procedure for medical expenses is also being improved. Unlike existing procedures, under which government workers have to cover their own medical expenses until the government confirms their occupational illness (usually 6 months), the government will now pay medical expenses in advance.
By Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
