Seoul gov't launches crackdown on clinics that administer propofol daily

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Seoul gov't launches crackdown on clinics that administer propofol daily

Published: 15 Oct. 2024, 17:38

CHO JUNG-WOO
cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr

People walk by a plastic surgery clinic in downtown Seoul on Jan. 28. [YONHAP]

The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Tuesday announced a mass crackdown on some 1,000 clinics in the city that administer propofol at least once a day.

The inspection aims to prevent the illegal distribution and overuse of propofol, an intravenous anesthetic. The crackdown, focused specifically on clinics, comes as the number of doctors at clinics administering propofol is higher than that at hospitals, according to the city government.

The crackdown will begin Thursday — starting in Gangnam District, southern Seoul — and run through Jan. 22. Clinics found violating regulations will face administrative penalties and may be reported to the police for further investigation, such as in cases of suspected drug overuse.

The city government will form an inspection team of around 600 people in collaboration with district offices. During the inspection, authorities will check whether the drugs are stored according to guidelines and whether the stocks match the numbers reported to the Narcotics Information Management System.

Clinics found violating storage guidelines could face up to a one-month business suspension, along with a prison sentence of up to one year or a fine of 10 million won ($7,350). Unmatched stock records could lead to a business suspension of up to three months, as well as a prison sentence of up to two years or a fine of 20 million won.

The city government said it is focusing the initial crackdown on propofol, given that it is the most frequently prescribed drug in clinics, with patients receiving it directly at these locations.

Among prescription drugs, propofol accounts for the highest usage, with the number of prescriptions rising from 8.25 million in 2020 to 11 million in 2023, according to data from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety.

In 2023, the number of patients prescribed zolpidem reached 1.8 million, followed by phentermine at 718,000, methylphenidate at 280,000 and fentanyl at 159,000. The inspection will eventually expand to other drug types.

“The mass inspection is a pre-emptive measure to protect citizens from the illegal distribution and overuse of pharmaceutical drugs and to ensure they receive treatment in a safe environment,” said Kim Tae-hee, head of the city government’s Citizens’ Health Bureau, in a press release.

BY CHO JUNG-WOO [cho.jungwoo1@joongang.co.kr]