KBS reported, "Since yesterday (September 3), Sergeant Ha Jae Heon, who is being treated at a private hospital, is taking responsibility for all his medical fees." This report incited public anger, as people didn't find it fair that under current legislation, injured soldiers have to shoulder the burden of costly hospitals on their own.
Sergeant Kim Jung Won, who suffered less severe injuries compared to Sergeant Ha, is being treated at the armed forces hospital. Sergeant Ha on the other hand, had to be moved to a private hospital as his wounds required more extensive surgical procedures. 30 days after hospitalization at the private hospital, Ha was burdened with the responsibility of paying for his expenses out of pocket.
Under the enforcement of the Veterans' Pension Act, when active duty soldiers suffer on-the-job injuries, their medical expenses from treatment at private medical facilities are only compensated for up to thirty days.
A rep from the ROK army explained, "The regulation was ordinated because 30 days was deemed a long enough period to treat most issues. Afterwards, injured soldiers would be treated at the military medical facilities."
Many have pointed out the irrationality behind the regulation behind the one-month compensation period, especially for cases such as Sergeant Ha.
Fortunately, things may be taking a turn for the better, at least according to the army rep. He said, "Currently, a revised bill has been proposed to the National Assembly. And it looks like the bill will pass because military authorities assented to the proposed revision."
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