Leaving Hospital Harder for Those Seriously Ill

Patients with serious or fatal illnesses will now find it more difficult to leave hospital, even if they and their families should want it.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare on June 1 made its position clear on the issue of seriously ill patients being allowed to leave hospital: 'Doctors and hospitals have a responsibility to protect the patients' health and save lives. It is not sensible to allow patients to leave the place of care.'
However, this direction may cause friction between hospitals and the members of a terminally ill patient's family, as often patients wish to spend their last moments at home.
It is likely that a case in May 1998, when a hospital doctor allowed a patient to go home and was later found guilty of murder, contributed to the government's intervention on this issue.
The Ministry is eager for hospitals to make their position clear.

Hwashik Bong : trojans@joongang.co.kr