‘Why the hell does the government exist?’: Korean doctors demand action on China-linked pneumonia

Korean Pediatric Hospital Association Urges Comprehensive Measures for Mycoplasma Pneumonia

An emergency statement was issued amid the Mycoplasma pneumonia crisis.

On the 4th, the Korean Association of Children’s Hospitals issued an emergency statement urging the government to establish measures against Mycoplasma pneumonia originating from China.

Mycoplasma pneumonia is an acute respiratory infection that spreads particularly well among children.

Unlike a common cold, where symptoms appear for about a week, symptoms of Mycoplasma pneumonia can last for 3-4 weeks. There is a higher possibility of progressing to severe stages. Symptoms include headaches, fever, runny nose, and sore throat. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial.

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The Korean Pediatric Hospital Association has raised concerns, stating that neighboring countries such as India and Taiwan are on high alert due to the recent spread of Mycoplasma pneumonia from China. However, health authorities in South Korea are allegedly handling the situation too casually.

While Mycoplasma pneumonia has not reached epidemic levels in Korea, growing concerns exist that its spread could exacerbate existing strains on medical services, especially given the recent increase in wait times for pediatric care due to the flu epidemic.

The Association expressed its criticism by noting that recent media reports only focus on personal hygiene measures at health centers and do not mention any actions taken by health authorities against Mycoplasma. They voiced their confusion about the role of the government in this context.

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Choi Yong Jae, the President of the Korean Association of Children’s Hospitals, said, “Mycoplasma sample monitoring medical institutions have more than 200 beds, but the places that treat the most pediatric infection patients are children’s hospitals.”

He proposed to include children’s hospitals in pediatric infection sample monitoring medical institutions.