Backlash Over Mixed-Gender Hospital Rooms Forces Policy Reversal

[Anchor] The government moved to allow men and women to share hospital rooms but withdrew the proposal after intense public backlash. Critics argued the change would make patients of both sexes uncomfortable and could increase the risk of sex crimes. Observers also said officials should have listened to frontline voices before advancing the policy. This is Choi Deok-jae. [Reporter] On the National Participation Legislation Center’s public comment board, one post warned that removing gender-separated hospital rooms would leave women far more vulnerable to sexual assault. That view was followed by many others, including men who said they would also feel uncomfortable. Some commenters dismissed the proposal as impractical, calling it a desk-bound plan focused on efficiency and even citing relevant legal provisions. The backlash intensified after the government announced plans to eliminate rules requiring gender-segregated hospital rooms. Officials said the intent was to reduce caregiving costs. Last April, Gwangju City requested a change to the regulation, saying, “Because couples cannot stay in the same room, caregiving costs rise and complaints increase.” Still, the volume of opposing complaints prompted the government to partially withdraw the proposal. The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced it would maintain the current rules on gender-separated hospital rooms. It said it would add qualifying language to allow exceptions for intensive care units and when couples or family members use two-bed rooms. Many observers said officials should have consulted patients and caregivers on the ground earlier in the process. 「Ina Geum / Director, Medical Justice Practice Alliance」 “I found the proposal absurd and was puzzled about its purpose. Rather than officials who haven’t experienced these conditions making policy from an office, I wish they had listened to patients and caregivers on the ground before moving forward.” The ministry said it will put safety measures in place to prevent indiscriminate operation of mixed-gender rooms. This is Choi Deok-jae for Yonhap News TV. [Video source: National Participation Legislation Center] #hiddencamera #MinistryOfHealthAndWelfare #hospitalroom #mixedgenderroom #deskboundadministration Yonhap News TV — For tips and inquiries: KakaoTalk/Line jebo23 Choi Deok-jae (DJY@yna.co.kr)