Han Jung-ae, policy committee chairperson of the ruling Democratic Party of Korea, said the government would consider raising medical fee schedules if necessary, as prices of medical consumables are rising due to the Middle East crisis.
Disposable syringes, IV packaging materials, and medical tubes are synthetic resin products made from naphtha. Concerns over supply instability for medical consumables have emerged as naphtha prices have risen due to the Middle East situation.
"The prolonged Middle East war is causing price increases and supply instability for medical consumables," Han said at a policy coordination meeting held at the National Assembly on Wednesday.
"Moreover, hoarding is increasing due to concerns that supply instability will continue," she added. "University hospitals and large hospitals can manage for two to three months through regular inventory, but there are significant concerns about supply instability and price burdens for general private clinics."
Han said the government would consider raising fee schedules if necessary. "We will prioritize the supply of raw materials for essential medical consumables and actively consider price and fee schedule increases if needed," she said. "If supply disruptions continue to worsen due to the prolonged Middle East war, we will also consider reintroducing a volume distribution system, including joint purchasing among hospitals at the government level, as was done during the COVID-19 response."
Han also warned that the government would inspect the pharmaceutical distribution structure. "We plan to monitor price trends for pharmaceuticals and medical devices where supply disruptions are expected, and will crack down strongly on acts that disrupt distribution order, such as hoarding," she said. "We will not stop at crackdowns but will respond with proactive administration by mobilizing necessary measures."
"The government and ruling party will make every effort to stabilize medical supply so that the public does not feel anxious," Han emphasized. "I want to make clear once again that we will not tolerate any act that undermines supply stability."