[단독] 반구대병원 “환자 85.7% 전원 계획”…‘폐쇄병동 돌려막기’ 우려

As the wave of repeated fatalities at Ulsan's Chunchung Mental Hospital looms over the site, voices emerge calling for the immediate removal of patients and the establishment of self-reliance support plans. By next month, the hospital claims to have transferred 85.7% of its patients to other facilities. The remaining 11.56% have been classified as "returning to facilities or home," leaving 4 patients in a "progressing" status, with no clear termination or transfer plans.

The hospital's capacity has shrunk from 184 patients to 147 recently. The Ulsan Metropolitan City Ulsan-gun Welfare Office submitted these transfer plans to the National Health Policy Office of Representative Kim Yeoji on August 28th. Of the 147 inpatient patients, 126 are slated for transfer, while 17 are marked for "returning to facilities or home," but not guaranteed to return home.

The remaining 4 patients are still in limbo. The hospital's decision to transfer patients is based on medical judgment. The National Health and Welfare Ministry formed the "Chunchung Mental Hospital Patient Transfer Protection Committee" in late May through a public-private partnership, but they only respond to requests for support upon discharge.

A member of the transfer committee says, "We only follow the doctor's judgment." The hospital's transfer plan raises concerns about the transfer of the majority of severely intellectually disabled patients, who may not receive adequate care in mental institutions. Civil society is wary of the "closure of wards" scenario. Even with the availability of various services in the community, some patients and their families still choose to enter the hospital.

Representative Kim Yeoji questions whether transferring severely intellectually disabled patients to another mental institution is the fundamental solution, especially when "drug management is needed even after discharge." She adds, "It's not a comprehensive solution to simply blame infrastructure shortages and neglect the individual's right to self-determination and necessary support."

The Chunchung Mental Hospital, which saw another ward-related death last month, is currently under scrutiny by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, as well as a special audit of the hospital, the Democratic Party, and four affiliated facilities. The hospital's director and administrative director have been charged with gross negligence in connection with the recent incident.