South Korea has approved a bill allowing nurses to perform certain medical procedures typically reserved for doctors, amid an ongoing doctors’ strike. The legislation responds to years of advocacy from nurse unions for improved working conditions, which had faced strong opposition from the medical community. With thousands of trainee doctors on strike since February, the healthcare system has been under increased strain.
The new law aims to facilitate the role of physician assistant nurses and establish legal protections for nursing practices. However, the Korean Medical Association criticized the bill, warning it could lead to confusion over medical practices and negatively impact patient care. The health minister argued this legislation would support medical professionals and urged doctors to find common ground to resolve their ongoing strike.
