Controversy erupts over grounds for raising doctors¡¯ fees

The government has pushed for a raise in doctors¡¯ fees paid by a state-run insurance program in an attempt to appease their anger with a medical reform plan. However, an increasing number of organizations are raising questions over the grounds for the raise.

The Financial Operating Committee held a meeting Tuesday afternoon and agreed that Yonsei University¡¯s research data, quoted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on Aug. 10 as the grounds for raising doctors¡¯ fees, was not convincing enough and decided to ask the ministry to submit its original data.

The National Health Insurance Corporation also decided to form a new research team and study medical costs.

Civic groups issued statements and argued that Yonsei University¡¯s research data was not proper and was distorted in some parts to justify the raise in doctors¡¯ fees.