The South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on Friday that hospitals will be required to install surveillance cameras in operating rooms and record surgery procedures at the request of patients starting next week, in accordance with the revised Medical Service Act.
The rule mandates that medical clinics must equip all operating rooms that handle surgeries involving anesthesia or unconsciousness with cameras and record the surgery procedures when requested by patients or their guardians. Violators will face a fine of up to 5 million won (US$3,741). Exemptions will be granted in urgent cases or when there are valid reasons.
The videos can be viewed or provided to relevant institutions for investigation or trials, but only with consent from the patient and all medical personnel. The videos must be kept for at least 30 days, which can be extended at the request of patients or investigative bodies. Anyone found guilty of leaking, damaging or falsifying footage may be sentenced to up to five years of imprisonment or a fine of up to 50 million won.
The revision was passed in 2021 and is meant to protect patients from potential medical malpractice and other issues. However, doctors’ associations have spoken out against it, claiming that the regulation violates the personal rights of physicians and will impede their ability to provide the best medical services. Patient advocacy groups have also noted that the revision provides too many exceptions for refusal and the 30-day period is not long enough to help advance patients’ rights.
The ministry has stated that it will actively communicate with both doctors and patients to minimize potential issues and conflicts.