Ministry of Health and Welfare to Apply Health Insurance for Addict Treatment
Matter to be Discussed by the End of This Month
Controversy Over Zero Cost for Treatment
Drugs have infiltrated the daily lives of South Koreans, regardless of age or generation. The number of drug offenders apprehended last year was 18,395, a more than 30% surge compared to five years ago. While the judicial authorities have embarked on rigorous crackdowns, the Ministry of Health and Welfare is rolling up its sleeves for the treatment of drug addicts.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on the 6th that it will hold a Health Insurance Policy Review Committee by the end of this month to consider applying health insurance to the treatment and protection costs of drug addicts. If the review passes, it will be implemented between January and March next year.
If health insurance benefits and treatment cost support are realized, the treatment cost burden for drug addicts will be zero. The government budget will cover the patient’s out-of-pocket expenses.
However, the Ministry of Welfare stated, “There are opinions on whether it is necessary to treat wealthy addicts, such as celebrities or third-generation chaebols, with health insurance and national finances, so we are considering a plan to limit income.”
However, the reaction of netizens was cold. They expressed opinions such as, “Why should taxpayer money go into drugs that one chooses to take, even if there is an income limit?” “Shouldn’t strengthening punishment be the priority?” “Patients with incurable diseases are struggling because many drugs are not covered by insurance, so why support drug addicts?” and “I understand that addicts cannot be left alone, but it’s frustrating.”
In addition, there were many aggressive reactions such as, “A country where it’s good for criminals to live,” “It’s strange to spend money on drug treatment while cutting all sorts of budgets,” “Support the truly sick people,” and “Lock up those who distribute drugs for life and then talk.”
Meanwhile, drug offenders are generally punished with imprisonment of up to five years or a fine of up to 50 million won (approx $42,000). The sentence is determined considering the intent and amount of drug administration.
Even if a person has administered a drug classified as a narcotic, they may not be punished if the administration does not constitute a ‘crime.’
There has been a public opinion that drug-related punishments should be strengthened, but some point out that there are limits to eradicating drugs, which have a high recidivism rate, by merely increasing the level of punishment. They argue that preventive measures such as establishing centers and counseling should not be neglected.
By. Joo Seung Hee
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