Minister of Food and Drug Safety Oh Yoo-kyung responds to criticism over concerns about misuse of the National Assembly inspection report: “Discussions with the Ministry of Health and Welfare”
As various misuses, including illegal sales of WeGobee, are becoming a reality, the National Assembly also pointed out the problem of misuse of WeGobee to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS). In particular, there were calls for measures to be taken against the practice of indiscriminately prescribing high-risk ratio treatment in non-face-to-face treatment, regardless of the patient’s condition.
In a comprehensive audit of the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee held on the 23rd, New Reform Party lawmaker Lee Joo-young said, “The expected concerns about misuse of Wegobi have become a reality,” and expressed concern that “illegal sales advertisements are appearing online.”
He then pointed out, “In particular, in non-face-to-face medical treatment through the platform, cases of abuse of Wegobi by prescription even though normal or underweight were reported,” and urged the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to prepare a response.
Rep. Lee said, “It is necessary to institutionally make inappropriate access itself difficult,” and added, “In the past, morning-after contraceptives were also excluded from the area of non-face-to-face treatment.”
In response to this, Minister of Food and Drug Safety Oh Yoo-kyung said, “We are aware of the problem of illegal online distribution and exaggerated advertising, and the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety investigation team is currently conducting intensive monitoring for a month,” adding, “We have been working with the Korea Customs Service since yesterday to block the purchase of Wegobi through overseas direct purchase.” “It is also happening,” he said.
Director Oh then added, “We have sent an official letter to more than 40 organizations asking them to refrain from exaggerating the advertising of obesity treatments through non-face-to-face medical treatment platforms.”
In addition, Director Oh responded, “It is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health and Welfare to include or exclude obese people, including those with obesity, from non-face-to-face treatment, and we will discuss with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to come up with measures.”
Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Gyu-hong, who was also present, promised active cooperation.
Source: kormedi.com
