[Exclusive] Banqudae Hospital to complete relocation within a month, Ministry of Health and Welfare agrees... Criticized for "irresponsibility"

Ulsan's Banmu Hospital recently announced its plan to complete total readmissions within a month, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare has endorsed this decision. This comes after a death case, and concerns have been raised about the hasty readmissions leading to irresponsible behavior. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Banmu Hospital is planning to submit individual readmission plans by August 19 and complete the total readmission by September 3.

The Ministry has expressed its agreement with this plan, stating that they will support Banmu Hospital in providing necessary arrangements for discharged patients, including disabled individuals who wish to live independently in the community. However, a coalition of 30 local organizations has submitted an urgent request to the National Human Rights Commission, urging them to establish a joint emergency committee for the preparation of a comprehensive response to the readmission situation.

Critics argue that the hasty readmissions could result in further institutionalization and human rights violations. The former director of the National Gwangju Hospital, Jin Guk, has criticized the Ministry for leaving the responsibility to individual hospitals, stating that it is not a simple matter of sending patients to other facilities.

He emphasized the need for a unified approach involving the Ministry, local governments, and various organizations to address the issue comprehensively.