The victims of the disinfectant scandal are categorized into two basic categories – a “special” aid category, and a “normal” aid category. (image: Asian Citizen’s Center for Environment and Health)
SEOUL, Oct. 29 (Korea Bizwire) — Victims of tainted humidifier disinfectant will soon have an easier time applying for special financial assistance from the government.
The Ministry of Environment said that it was providing advance legislation notice regarding the issue from November 29 to December 7.
The victims of the disinfectant scandal are categorized into two basic categories – a “special” aid category, and a “normal” aid category.
Victims belonging to the special category are given financial assistance from a fund established by the producer of the disinfectant, while so-called “normal” aid is provided by government funds.
Although there is no difference between the two funds in terms of the actual amount of money that victims receive, those who accept government funds may be in a better position to win civil suits because of the underlying understanding that the government recognized the causal effect between the disinfectant and the illness.
The revised bill will be do away with having a court verdict in order to apply for the normal government funds.
In addition, the number of documents required to renew the validity of the ruling has been decreased.
In the past, an application form and previous documentation of medical tests were mandatory. Going forward, only the application form will be required.
In addition, if medical bills and receipts are no longer available, other documentation proving the payment of medical bills can be submitted instead.
H. S. Seo (hsseo@koreabizwire.com)
