ID :
212699
Fri, 10/14/2011 - 10:22
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/212699
The shortlink copeid
Gov't unveils measures to enhance military medical service
SEOUL, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) -- The government will spend 480 billion won (US$412 million) over the next five years to sharply increase the number of military doctors and medics, the Ministry of National Defense said Friday, stepping up its drive to improve medical services for conscripted service members.
The defense ministry said it will employ 1,600 military medical personnel and enlist male nursing students subject to the mandatory military service as noncommissioned officers to provide soldiers with improved medical services.
The ministry said it will increase the ratio of career military doctors from the current 3 percent to 12 percent by 2016 and improve their welfare benefits and working conditions to the level of public and state hospitals.
New conscripts will also receive vaccines against encephalomeningitis, and those who are promoted to a higher military rank will be required to receive a medical checkup in 18 categories from 2014, officials said.
To better handle emergency patients, the military hospitals will seek cooperation with private hospitals and share information in their emergency management system, they added.
The proposal comes after a series of revelations of military medical staff's mishandling of patients, which led to the death of a new conscript diagnosed with encephalomeningitis in April.
By law, all physically fit South Korean men must serve in the military for about two years.
The ministry has earmarked 60.5 billion won for next year and will secure additional budget after consultation with related government agencies for the reform package, officials noted.
The defense ministry said it will employ 1,600 military medical personnel and enlist male nursing students subject to the mandatory military service as noncommissioned officers to provide soldiers with improved medical services.
The ministry said it will increase the ratio of career military doctors from the current 3 percent to 12 percent by 2016 and improve their welfare benefits and working conditions to the level of public and state hospitals.
New conscripts will also receive vaccines against encephalomeningitis, and those who are promoted to a higher military rank will be required to receive a medical checkup in 18 categories from 2014, officials said.
To better handle emergency patients, the military hospitals will seek cooperation with private hospitals and share information in their emergency management system, they added.
The proposal comes after a series of revelations of military medical staff's mishandling of patients, which led to the death of a new conscript diagnosed with encephalomeningitis in April.
By law, all physically fit South Korean men must serve in the military for about two years.
The ministry has earmarked 60.5 billion won for next year and will secure additional budget after consultation with related government agencies for the reform package, officials noted.
