The bill that requires the government-affiliated Health and Medical Personnel Supply Forecast Committee to review medical school quotas starting from 2027 has passed the National Assembly.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare noted on the 2nd that three amendments related to the Welfare Department's legislation, including the 'Basic Health Care Act,' 'Welfare for the Disabled Act,' and 'Medical Aid Act,' were passed in the National Assembly's plenary session.
The Basic Health Care Act stipulates the establishment basis of the forecast committee, the composition of the committee, and matters to be reviewed. The forecast committee will be established under the Minister of Health and Welfare, and the core content is to have job-specific supply forecast committees. The committee will consist of up to 15 experts without government commissioners, ensuring that the majority are expert recommendations from provider organizations.
The core function of the forecast committee is to discuss medical school quotas after 2027. The goal is to enhance the objectivity and social acceptability of medical school quotas through an expert-centered committee. The government initially planned to discuss the quotas through the committee starting next year's medical school quota, but due to delays in processing the bill, discussions will begin from the 2027 medical school quota.
The Welfare for the Disabled Act aims to expand the eligibility for language rehabilitation specialists to graduates of distance education universities and grants eligibility for the national examination if additional practical subjects are completed. This clarification of eligibility for language rehabilitation specialists among current students and graduates of distance education universities is expected to guarantee legal status and contribute to securing professionals for children facing communication difficulties.
The amendment also includes provisions making the payment of child disability allowances mandatory. While disability allowances for adults are already mandated, there have been numerous cases of children with disabilities who did not receive allowances due to the lack of mandatory payment regulations. Through this legislative amendment, children with disabilities receiving livelihood and medical aid will be able to receive child disability allowances without submitting a separate application. Additionally, pilot issuance of mobile disability registration cards and establishment of a comprehensive disability policy plan will be pursued.
The amendment to the Medical Aid Act allows for the disbursement of medical aid costs even if a payment hold is issued, provided that a not guilty verdict is received from a lower court. If a not guilty verdict is ultimately confirmed, the payment hold will be canceled, and the payment of interest on the withheld costs will also be specified.
The amended bill passed on this day is set to take effect following review and approval by the Cabinet Council, in line with the bill's implementation date.