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Korean Public Favors Doctor-Prescribed Medicine, Supports Choice in Pharmacy System: New Poll Reveals
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A new public opinion poll indicates that a significant majority of Koreans prefer receiving prescriptions directly from their doctors and overwhelmingly support a system allowing patients to choose where they receive their medications.
A recent survey, released on Thursday by the Korean Medical Association‘s Special Committee on Public Health protection, highlights a considerable gap in public understanding of proposed changes to prescription practices currently being debated in the National Assembly. The poll reveals widespread support for the existing system, even acknowledging its inconveniences, and raises concerns about the potential impact of new legislation.
Limited Public Awareness of Prescription Bill
the survey found that nearly half of the public – 44.5% – reported having no knowledge of the ingredient prescription bill currently under consideration. A mere 15.4% indicated they were well-informed about the proposed changes. Awareness of related concepts, such as choice dispensing and the associated alternative dispensing notification obligation, mirrored this trend.While 60.6% of respondents were generally aware of the systems, only 17.5% and 22.7% respectively,demonstrated a detailed understanding.
Perhaps most concerning, 57.1% of respondents were “completely unaware” that doctors are not legally responsible for adverse reactions or drug accidents when a pharmacist substitutes a prescribed medication. This lack of awareness underscores a critical need for greater public education surrounding the potential implications of altering the current prescription process.
Strong Preference for Doctor-Prescribed Medication
When the cost factor was removed from consideration, a striking 70.2% of the public expressed a preference for “medicine prescribed by a doctor.” In contrast, only 7.3% favored alternative medications prepared by pharmacists. This preference suggests a strong level of trust in physicians’ expertise and a desire to maintain the current doctor-patient relationship in medication management.
Support for In-Hospital Dispensing and Patient Choice
The poll also revealed significant public support for increased versatility in medication dispensing.A full 70% of respondents approved of in-hospital dispensing – where doctors directly provide medication – particularly during crises like infectious disease pandemics or drug shortages.
Furthermore, an overwhelming 74.2% expressed approval of a pharmaceutical division selection system, which would empower patients to choose between receiving their prescriptions at hospitals or pharmacies. This indicates a desire for greater patient autonomy and control over their healthcare experience.
Concerns Raised Over Proposed Legislation
hwang Gyu-seok, chairman of the committee’s public relations committee, voiced concerns about recent legislative proposals. “Under the recent instability in the supply and demand of medicines, bills are being proposed in the National Assembly mandating the introduction of prescriptions with ingredient names without agreement from the medical community and the public,” he stated. He emphasized that discussions surrounding responsibility for drug accidents and the broader impact on public health have been largely excluded from these debates.
He continued, “For 25 years, our peopel have maintained the system well despite serious inconveniences such as having to go back and forth between hospitals and pharmacies twice and paying double costs,” adding that proposed changes risk undermining the established system despite the existing inconveniences and costs. He criticized some members of the National Assembly
