- LOGIN
- MemberShip
- 2025-12-24 19:51:36
- Policy
- Avastin additional coverage approved for colorectal cancer
- by Lee, Hye-Kyung Feb 18, 2020 06:35am
- Combination therapy of Avastin (bevacizumab) plus irinotecan plus low-dose capecitabine (mCAPIRI)’ treating metastatic colorectal cancer would receive insurance benefit from Mar. 1. Moreover, indications to treat patients with stage IIB or later mycosis fungoides, primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL), or Sézary disease have been added to Adcetri’ (brentuximab). The drug’s current reimbursement is limited to second-line or later treatment for relapse or refractory CP30 positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) is collecting public opinion on the said changes made. Without any issue, they would come in effect from Mar. 1. HIRA has reviewed expanding coverage of Avastin to also cover for an ‘irinotecan plus mCAPIRI plus bevacizumab combination therapy.’ Initially, the drug was approved to treat metastatic colorectal cancer as a combination therapy with fluoro pyrimidine class chemotherapy. According to a literature review on textbook, guideline and clinical trial studies, the combination therapy has not been mentioned on either text or National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) guideline. But a 2018 guideline by European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) has mentioned it to have ‘study in progress,’ and a Phase 3 clinical trial comparing noninferiority of 'FOLFIRI plus bevacizumab’ and FOLFIRI has confirmed noninferiority with median overall survival of 16.8 months and 15.4 months. The combination therapy has been granted for reimbursement as a second-line treatment. HIRA explained, “The reimbursement on the drug has been granted for treating metastatic colorectal cancer as it could enhance convenience of outpatient treatment better than the already reimbursed therapy, and it could also provide more option of treatment to patients.” Additionally indicated to treat patients with CD30 positive cutaneous T cell lymphoma, who has been treated with one or more systemic treatment, Adcetris is recommended as category 2A by NCCN guideline for treating mycosis fungoides, primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL), or Sézary disease. In Phase 3 ALCANZA study, the patient group with stage IIB or later mycosis fungoides and primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL) demonstrated overall reaction rate (ORR) of 70.8 percent, and specifically 62.5 percent of the group had reaction over four months. And 18.8 percent of the group experienced complete response. HIRA official said, “The reimbursement on the treatment was approved considering the specific indication lacks other alternative treatment option.”
- Policy
- The MFDS collects 900 Metformins & tests for carcinogens
- by Lee, Tak-Sun Feb 17, 2020 06:26am
- The MFDS is conducting extensive testing of carcinogens in the drug 'Metformin', which is used as the primary treatment for type II diabetes. It is known that as many as 900 items to be inspected. As the US FDA announced the results of the survey yesterday, the MFDS is expected to speed up the survey in order to advance the publication date. According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety on the 4th, after conducting a raw material system survey with Metformin manufacturers in last December, the raw materials stored by the companies are collected and tested for impurities. On the 15th of last month, NDMA (N-nitrosodimethylamine) test method for carcinogens using GC-MS / MS has been announced, The MFDS is said to have identified the raw materials to be investigated based on systematic investigations. Nevertheless, it is explained that the survey period is getting longer because there are about 900 items. Currently, there are 640 finished products containing Metformin. The MFDS has been investing a lot of people recently to address COVID-19 infection issues. In particular, 30 people were dispatched to investigate the excessive profits of masks, and related departments are checking daily supply and demand, making it difficult to take the plunge on the Metformin survey. However, some research has been conducted, and results from other countries are coming up one after another. The investigation into NDMA, which is a carcinogen for Metformin, began on Dec 4 when Singapore health authorities recovered three Metformin products. At the time, Singapore health officials said more than 96 ng of NDMA were detected per day in Metformin products. The MFDS confirmed that the ingredients of the same manufacturer of the product recovered by the authorities of Singapore were introduced in Korea, and carried out a full-fledged investigation. Afterwards, a systematic investigation was conducted to ask domestic manufacturers to submit data on the source of production items. Meanwhile, the US FDA reported on the 4th that a sub-standard NDMA was detected in six lots of two of the 10 products. However, it is safe to use because it has a small amount of 10 to 20 nanograms per tablet. To date, no country has issued a prohibition on sales or a recovery order because no NDMA above the baseline has been detected in Metformin products except Singapore. Therefore, the prospect that Korea will have no problem is coming out cautiously. Major domestic manufacturers and sellers are also reporting that NDMA has not been detected through their own research. The domestic market for Metformin preparations is about ₩400 billion, which is widely used in both single and combination drugs. Single drugs include Diabex of Daewoong Pharmaceutical, Glucophage of Merck. If NDMA is detected above the threshold and sales bans or recovery measures are taken, a huge impact is expected, and the pharmaceuticals are unable to let go of tensions.
- Policy
- The TF agrees on COVID-19 treatment, 2 tabs of Kaletra BID
- by Kim, Jung-Ju Feb 17, 2020 06:25am
- Although the development of 'COVID-19' treatment has not been completed, the principle has been established that the treatment can be considered by administering two tablets of Abbvie’s Kaletra twice a day. Chloroquine, an antimalarial drug, is also considered, but not domestically distributed. Instead, Hydroxychloroquine, which is used as a drug for autoimmune diseases, may be considered. The National Medical Center held the 6th video conference with the COVID-19 Central Clinical TF, which consists of medical staff and experts in the COVID-19 confirmed patients care hospital nationwide, and agreed on the treatment principles on the 12th. According to the TF, there are currently no treatments for COVID-19 that have proven effective in humans. Therefore, the agreement is the most important clinical decision of the attending physician for the decision of antiviral treatment, the selection of treatment, and the duration of treatment. However, the summary of the agreement is based on the scientific literature published and the experience of TF team members, and is an important reference for treatment. According to the agreement of the TF, if the symptoms of young and healthy patients without the underlying disease are relatively mild, they can be observed without antiviral treatment. In particular, if more than 10 days after onset and symptoms are relatively mild, anti-viral therapy may be less likely. Conversely, antiviral therapy should be considered in patients with old or underlying disease and in patients with relatively severe COVID-19. If the patients are treated with antiviral treatment, it may be theoretically helpful to start dosing as soon as possible. Administration of Kaletra as an antiviral therapy may be considered. The TF can consider two tablets of Kaletra once a day (LPV/ r 400mg/100mg po bid) or Chloroquine 500mg po qd, but Chloroquine is not distributed in Korea, so Hydroxychloroquine 400mg po qd could be considered. It is the TF's judgment that there is no evidence that the combination of Kaletra and Chloroquine (or hydroxychloroquine) is superior to monotherapy. Combination of these drugs can cause serious arrhythmias and drug interactions with increased QT interval (electrocardiogram QRS wave time). Therefore, this combination therapy should be administered carefully in very limited cases. Antiviral treatment, on the other hand, may seem appropriate for 7 to 10 days, but may be shortened or extended depending on the patient's progress at the clinical site. The TF said that Ribavirin, hepatitis C treatment and Interferon, a substance that inhibits viral infection and proliferation in the human body, are not recommended as they have severe side effects, and the use of Ribavirin or Interferon are considered in limited circumstances where Kaletra or Chloroquine(or Hydroxychloroquine) is ineffective or difficult to administer.
- Policy
- “Genetic testing not required for reimbursed Soliris use"
- by Lee, Hye-Kyung Feb 17, 2020 06:25am
- Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA) has disseminated a press release to explain a news article raising issues on preliminary review on atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) treatment Soliris injection (eculizumab). Apparently, a news article has reported the government deferring and rejecting preliminary approval on Soliris has caused 12 deaths out of 59 patients, and criticized patients are losing their golden time as the government is demanding genetic testing, not a part of the usual procedure, despite the drug qualifies 18 other reimbursement standards. Before using an expensive drug like Soliris, costing 6.04 million won per vial, a healthcare institute using the drug has to apply for HIRA’s preliminary review applied, and it can administer the approved drug to patient within 60 days. HIRA refuted, “In case of emergency, Soliris can be administered as soon as the preliminary review application is submitted. The news report on patients dying due to delayed or rejected approval is not true.” Reimbursement standard on Soliris stipulates qualification standard of administration subject (standard of disease determination, standard of active thrombotic microangiophathy, standard of renal damage) and also administration exemption (same type of malignant tumor, transplantation, thrombotic microangiophathy caused by infection due to autoimmune disease) HIRA’s press release explained, “The standards have been set based on foreign country guidelines, related academic societies’ consultation, and foreign country reimbursement listing standards. Korea's reimbursement listing is on par with other countries’ standards, such as Canada and Australia. HIRA requires healthcare institute to submit genetic testing results, when submitting a monitoring report after two months into the treatment.” In other words, HIRA says the administering standard of Soliris’ reimbursement does not stipulate genetic test, but it is required for the monitoring report. HIRA stated, “The news article claiming HIRA demanding genetic testing, regardless of qualifying other standards, is false. HIRA would continue to do its best to provide coverage on safe medical service and treatments saving patient’s life.”
- Policy
- Nocdurna to receive reimbursement from next month
- by Kim, Jung-Ju Feb 17, 2020 06:25am
- Nocdurna sublingual tablet identification photo (Source: Korea Pharmaceutical Information Center) Ferring Korea’s Nocdurna sublingual tablet (desmopressin acetate) is to get listed for reimbursement next month. On Feb. 12, Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) issued an administrative notice on amending ‘Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Listing Standard and Method,’ and plans to collect public opinions until Feb. 20. Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has indicated the drug to treat nocturia due to idiopathic nocturnal polyuria. As other drugs with desmopressin acetate have different content, only a part of Nocdurna’s indication would be reimbursed. Desmopressin acetate has received reimbursement for treating patients aged over five with primary nocturnal enuresis and adult patient with any nocturia symptoms related to nocturnal polyuria. According to the government’s approval details, Nocdurna’s indication to treat primary nocturnal enuresis in patients aged over five would not receive reimbursement. The listing would be limited to treating adult patient with nocturia due to idiopathic nocturnal polyuria. The approved contents of Nocdurna are 25 μg and 50 μg. After reviewing collected public opinions until Feb. 20, MOHW would revise the reimbursement standard as of Mar. 1. Desmopressin acetate is available in Korea as Ferring Korea’s Minirin tablet, Hanmi Pharmaceutical’s Demoresin POWD, Nex Pharm Korea’s Newlitan tablet, Pharmbio Korea’s Denirin granule and Dongkoo Bio Pharm’s Demorin fine gradule.
- Policy
- Opposition buys time with Covid-19 delaying HIPDC meeting
- by Lee, Jeong-Hwan Feb 14, 2020 06:35am
- Due to the Covid-19 outbreak, the pilot program for providing reimbursement on Korean herbal medicine would inevitably be delayed. Initially, the government was planning to particularly discuss of coverage on herbal medicine at a Health Insurance Policy Deliberation Committee’s (HIPDC) subcommittee meeting, right as Korean Herbal Medicine Reimbursement Consultative Committee unveils the pilot program plan. But all schedules have been halted, because of the state emergency. Some of healthcare and pharmaceutical professional organizations, who have been opposing against the pilot program, seem to be busy preparing statement and related resources regarding safety issues of the herbal medicine reimbursement system. According to healthcare and pharmaceutical groups on Feb. 13, Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has not finalized the schedule for the HIPDC subcommittee meeting on Korean herbal medicine reimbursement, originally scheduled on Feb. 6. Pharmaceutical industry explains the meeting has been indefinitely postponed until Covid-19 outbreak is contained and the country feels safe again. The industry source also added, individual issues like coverage on herbal medicine would be set aside for now, as MOHW has urged healthcare and pharmaceutical groups, such as Korean Medical Association, Korean Pharmaceutical Association, Association of Korean Medicine, and Korean Nurses Association, to focus on promptly responding to the state emergency and infectious disease prevention task. However, related organizations are showing anxiousness with the indefinitely postponed talks on the agenda, as the issue is strongly conflicted between medical, pharmaceutical and Korean medicine industries. Postponed HIPDC deliberation would mean delayed procedures of reimbursement feasibility evaluation and related industry negotiation, which would eventually push down the whole timeframe of the pilot program. In fact, MOHW is currently unable to pin down when the subcommittee meeting could be convened. MOHW insider hinted, “Discussion between Korean Herbal Medicine Reimbursement Consultative Committee and other related organizations is essential to the pilot program. While the government and the country’s interest and response capacity are all locked on Covid-19, related schedule would be unlikely to get fixed, yet. This would affect the entire schedule of the pilot program.” Now, the medical, pharmaceutical and Korean herbal medicine industries on the opposing side have earned some time to prepare data pointing out prospective issues and risks of reimbursement on herbal medicine. The urgency the organizations felt, when preparing for opposing statement until the initial HIPDC and subcommittee meeting schedules, seems to be somewhat relieved. Korean Medical Association and Korean Pharmaceutical Association have actually warned of the organizations cooperating to disapprove of the Korean herbal medicine reimbursement. Association of Korean Medicine also has been reprehending MOHW’s pilot program planning by constantly issuing an opposing statement. A member of the Korean Herbal Medicine Reimbursement Consultative Committee disapproving of coverage on the herbal medicine claimed, “As I have been on the side to stop the pilot program, the delay in schedule is a good news. By vastly researching more about the safety issues of Korean herbal medicine, we should strategize resistance against the plan with those on the same side from the consultative committee and HIPDC.” The member added, “All capacity of healthcare and pharmaceutical organizations is on containing Covid-19 at the moment. When it is in the fairly controlled state and MOHW notifies the HIPDC meeting schedule, the industry organizations’ conflict would surface.”
- Policy
- It is time to support quarantine with the 'COVID-19'
- by Lee, Jeong-Hwan Feb 14, 2020 06:35am
- The Democratic Party's COVID-19 Countermeasures Committee urged an agreement on the opposition party on the composition of parliament. With the intention that the national disaster should not be controversial due to naming conflicts such as Wuhan pneumonia, it is a suggestion that the government should support joint efforts on the prevention site by creating a joint special led by the Health and Welfare Committee by establishing a joint specialty centering on the new corona name 'COVID-19' finalized by the WHO. On the 12th, the Democratic Party's COVID-19 Countermeasures Committee (Chairman Sang-hee Kim) began hearing opinions on the site of defense at the Democratic Party's representative office in the National Assembly. On this day, Kyung Rim Shin, the chairman of the Korean nurses association, Senior Vice Chairman No-bong Park, the Korean health and Medical Workers’ Union, Senior Vice Chairman No-Bong Park of the National Health Care Industry, Senior Vice Chairman Mi-Kyung Kwon of the Federation of Korea Medical industry Trade Union(KMITU), Chairman Mok Huh, National public health center’s director council and Chairman Jung-Hyun Cho of the Korean Public Health Council. If the last meeting was to collect voices of macroscopic defense sites from the heads of doctors' associations and hospital associations, this time, The intention is to look into more detailed microprotective situations. Chairman Sang-hee Kim stressed the need for COVID-19 in the parliament. The WHO named the new corona official name as COVID-19 and the Ministry of Health and Welfare followed the domestic name as Corona-19, suggesting that the background for the rapid creation of undisputed privileges was provided. Chairman Kim said, "The WHO has set the official name of the new corona as COVID-19. So far, unnecessary controversy over the congressional narrative over the National Assembly Corona has been continued, this is deplorable. It would be reasonable to focus on welfare. The name is subsidiary and it is productive to support the defense by creating a parliamentary commission. It would be reasonable to focus on the welfare committee " Chairman Kim said, "The government is currently taking measures to deal with the serious stages of the prime minister. The patient is discharged, but there is no situation to be relieved yet, and we will try to provide enough budget to small businesses". Kyung Rim Shin, the chairman of the Korean nurses association asked the medical staff such as nurses who are involved in the quarantine service not to suffer social stigma. In particular, she mentioned the necessity of expanding nursing personnel in addition to disaster emergency. It is important to be prepared to avoid the hassle of increasing the number of nurses in a hurry due to Corona-19. Chairman Shin said, "It is very hard to work as a nurse once in a confirmed patient's quarantine. Two protective nurses have to go in every two hours, and the job itself is difficult and there is a fear that the nurse will spread the word to the family. A mother nurse is socially stigmatized and has trouble in her daily life". Chairman Shin said, “It is a big problem because they face and care for patients directly. Psychological treatment, physical support, and social follow-up measures are necessary, and it is also a way to have a regular nursing staff. It is difficult to recruit emergency personnel due to infectious diseases outbreak". Mok Hur, chairman of the National Health Center Directors' Council, said that even in the event of a national disaster, there is no support for public health centers, making night work a daily routine. Huh said, "There is no support for the public health centers for infectious diseases. We are actually fighting the situation with barehanded, and the reality is that even if we do not evade responsibility of the public health center in a national disaster. we have never left work since the last 20 days". "Health centers are directly affiliated with local governments and professional organizations, and people with a high level of administrative experience must be deployed, they move up like general auxiliary agencies, and they are upset, and we have asked the MOHW and the KCDC several times regarding the workforce but no change".
- Policy
- “HIRA’s open ears and hearts for pharmaceutical industry"
- by Lee, Hye-Kyung Feb 14, 2020 06:35am
- "The Pharmaceutical Management Department had to move to Wonju, as the construction of second headquarter building of Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service has been completed. But its door is open. We plan to have our ears and hearts opened to the pharmaceutical industry." Kim Ae-ryun, appointed as a director of Pharmaceutical Management Department at Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service (HIRA), claimed 'integrity' as the top quality of a public Institute. But stated communication barrier should not be high. And she means HIRA is always ready to meet with pharmaceutical industry. First, the department had tried to manage the stakeholders visiting with an interview guideline. But now the department is gearing towards meeting everyone, and even with the director herself, if need be. Director Kim said, "The Pharmaceutical Management Department has opened a conference room for the visitor on the first floor of the first headquarter building. Pharmaceutical companies with questions can visit us without an issue. Transparency and integrity are the virtues a public institute should keep when working, but fundamentally the communication barrier should not hold them back." Previously a nurse, Director Kim started as reviewer at the DRG Department and served at Classification System Management Department. Later, she was in charge of healthcare reimbursement standard, fee-for-service management, new medical technology system operation and monitoring, and listing medical service at the Benefit Listing Department. With a lack of her experience in Pharmaceutical Management Department, pharmaceutical companies wondered of her personnel. The director explained, "Everyone knows that I do not have experience in Pharmaceutical Management Department. But I realized working here that my previous experience in reimbursement listing is similar to what I do now. I served as a director before and understood the common process. Now I see that the basic framework is similar and I plan to learn about the unique aspects of pharmaceutical listing as I go.” 40 days since her appointment as a director of Pharmaceutical Management Department, Director Kim has already had meetings with pharmaceutical industry organizations like Korea Pharmaceutical and Bio-Pharma Manufacturers Association (KPBMA). When the Covid-19 outbreak subsides around March or April, the director plans to resume having quarterly conference with pharmaceutical industry. The whole office of Pharmaceutical Management Department has moved to Wonju last December. Regarding the issue of pharmacist officers leaving the office, Director Kim said, “One pharmacist resigned last December and another officer left this year. We’ve been here for two months and I think it’s a process. Korea spends about 25 percent of the total medical expense on pharmaceutical expense. And the Pharmaceutical Management Department takes care of most of drug items. Out of many other career choices a pharmacist can choose, a public office pharmacist is a great choice to feel worthwhile and find value in working.” “Aside from a type of occupation, we hope many of pharmacists can join us as they could be a huge help to the people’s health and patients. Government office pharmacist would be a great opportunity to help out with National Health Insurance finance management,” Director Kim added. The director did not comment much about the Drug Reimbursement Evaluation Committee selecting choline alfoscerate for the listed drug reevaluation pilot program. Director Kim assured, “I hope the reimbursed drug reevaluation system takes its root in Korea well as it takes a first step in Korea. This year’s goal for HIRA is to make a guideline to reasonably and transparently select subject drugs. The DREC’s decision has been made, but the department would listen to government and stakeholders’ voices along the way.”
- Policy
- Constipation drug Rucalo gets coverage but with condition
- by Lee, Hye-Kyung Feb 14, 2020 06:34am
- A new reimbursement standard has been added as Yooyoung Pharmaceutical’s chronic constipation treatment Rucalo tablet (prucalopride succinate) has been listed for reimbursement. Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) announced on Feb. 6 the authority has decided to grant reimbursement on Rucalo tablet by partially amending ‘Details of Pharmaceutical Reimbursement Standard and Method.’ The drug is currently indicated to treat patients with chronic constipation, who have failed to relieve symptoms regardless of administering two or more types of laxatives (form-bulking or osmotic laxatives and etc.) for over six months. According to the reimbursement standard, however, MOHW would renew reimbursement status after reviewing the patient’s state after four weeks of administration, and any other off-label use of the drug would be covered entirely by the patient. MOHW’s decision on the reimbursement was based on the drug’s indication, related academic society’s advice and external reference guideline. The drug is reimbursed in A7 countries like the U.K., Germany, Italy and Switzerland. So far, five Korean pharmaceutical companies have applied for reimbursement on chronic constipation treatment, including Yooyoung Pharmaceutical, Hana Pharm, Daewon Pharmaceutical, Ahn-gook Pharmaceutical and Huons. Result of DREC’s reimbursement feasibility review At the ninth Drug Reimbursement Evaluation Committee (DREC) meeting convened in last October, the committee had evaluated Rucalo, Prolo, Procal, Prucal, and Constipan demonstrated clinical efficacy, but they are expensive compared to other alternative options. The committee stated the reimbursement would be granted when the respective companies accept pricing under the evaluated price. Other than Yooyoung Pharmaceutical, another company has decided to accept the pricing lower than DREC’s evaluated price (weighted average of alternative options) and negotiated with National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) over pricing from last November. But only Yooyoung Pharmaceutical has reached an agreement and won the reimbursement. Rucalo is a selective serotonin (5-HT4) receptor agonist used to treat patients with chronic constipation, who does not respond to conventional laxatives.
- Policy
- COVID-19 primary antivirals Kaletra·Chloroquine recommended
- by Lee, Jeong-Hwan Feb 13, 2020 06:28am
- The central clinical TF will recommend antiretroviral agents Kaletra, antimalarial agents Chloroquine, and Hydroxychloroquine as the primary antiviral drugs for COVID-19. Ribavirin and Interferon, which are mentioned as COVID-19 drugs, have relatively high side effects and are not recommended as primary antiviral drugs. In particular, some patients confirmed that they could be cured by autoimmunity without antiviral medications. The old and severe patients were advised to consider antiviral medications. On the 11th, the Central Clinical TF held its fifth videoconference and said, "COVID-19 antiviral treatment agreement is being drafted and a TF agreement will be reached within a few days". The central clinical TF consists of medical staff and specialists from the national COVID-19 confirmed patient care hospital, centered on the National Medical Center. A total of 10 medical institutions and 20 experts participated in the 5th meeting to find out the diagnosis of patients in each institution, review discharge criteria, antiviral use criteria, systematic collection and research cooperation of clinical information, prevent unnecessary social confusion, and topics include formal briefing regularization issues to provide prompt and accurate information. A prominent part is the recommendation for antiviral administration. The central clinical TF is in consensus on COVID-19 antiviral treatment. Drugs to be considered for primary administration include AIDS treatment Kaletra and malaria treatment Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine. Ribavirin and Interferon are also mentioned as treatments, but the side effects are relatively high and TF is not recommended as primary drugs. Regarding the discharge criteria associated with the fourth discharge patient (No. 11), the TF said that the standards for release of quarantine were applied in MERS. If the viral gene is not detected twice in a row after 48 hours after clinical improvement of symptoms, it can be released. In fact, 11th confirmed patient who was discharged for the fourth time on the 10th was diagnosed with symptoms of the 6th patient's family. The symptoms improved from the 3rd and discharged after being negatively assessed by viral genetic tests on the 5th and the 7th. The TF said that it will enable the first-time clinicians to treat infectious diseases abroad for the future operation to quickly identify the characteristics of the disease and to create the basis for treating and responding to infectious diseases. Since the 3rd, they have been sharing and discussing patients' treatment experiences through three video conferences every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. It was diagnosed that COVID-19 air transmission could not be determined about the number of patients and the possibility of air infection on the Japanese cruise ship, which is a national concern. Air propagation (droplet infection) is rare, because the density of pathogens is so important that the disease cannot be transmitted to distant people. The emergence of a large number of patients from Japanese cruise ships is a situation where many people are crowded in a confined space, where direct and indirect contact and splash propagation can occur frequently. TF said that there are four infectious diseases that have been clearly identified as airborne, including measles, tuberculosis, smallpox, and chickenpox. "We are working with the KCDC and the MOHW on a variety of topics, including clarifying the role and status of the TF as soon as possible, evaluating patients for possible discharge, developing clinical guidelines, cooperating with the WHO, and making efficient use of medical resources, and in order to accumulate the ability to cope with emerging infectious diseases, and a permanent committee needs to be operated in a developmental form".
