I got humane treatment… but what about the 600 million won hospital bill ::::: Article

◀ Anchor ▶

Even if you are an illegal alien, you should receive hospital treatment.

A hospital in Ulsan has been treating a Chinese patient who suffered a cerebral hemorrhage in Korea on a humanitarian basis.

It is said that there is no way to receive treatment costs of 600 million won after being in a coma for over 5 years.

Reporter Cho Chang-rae covered the story.

◀ Report ▶

Chinese Mr. A is hospitalized in a coma in the intensive care unit of a hospital in Ulsan.

In September 2019, he collapsed from cerebral hemorrhage while working at a farm and was transported by 119 ambulance.

It has been 9 days since I entered Korea.

In the five years since I was admitted to this hospital, the hospital expenses have increased to nearly 600 million won.

The problem is that Mr. A cannot receive health insurance benefits.

This is because he entered the country on a tourist visa and collapsed while working illegally, and is currently an illegal resident.

The family primarily responsible has lost contact, and the Chinese consulate has let go, leaving the hospital struggling.

◀ INT ▶Byung-cheol Lee, External Cooperation Team Leader/Donggang Medical Foundation

“We also say that if we neglect this patient or any problem arises, a national dispute could arise.”

We have asked the local community for help, but there is no solution.

This is because it is difficult for local governments to take initiative in matters that could easily turn into diplomatic issues.

◀ INT ▶Ulsan City Councilor Kim Jong-hoon

“What kind of local medical institution would accept these patients, right? Then I would say that there is an institutional problem.”

◀ INT ▶ Dongjae Lee, Director of Citizen Health Department, Ulsan City

“There are all kinds of relief systems in place, such as health insurance systems and local insurance systems. However, unfortunately, it is true that there are insufficient institutional arrangements for things like unregistration and illegality.”

Ulsan City decided to seek cooperation again from the Chinese consulate and also request a solution from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Unable to ignore the collapsed patient, we set out to treat him, but there is no way to do anything and the hospital is only accumulating losses.

With the number of illegal immigrants rapidly increasing along with foreign residents, it seems urgent to come up with a plan to support humanitarian treatment.

This is Cho Chang-rae of MBC News.

Video coverage: Kim Neung-wan

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