Medical Data Privacy Protection Act should be Reappraised

The government had a plan to set up a new medical information law last October, which allows hospitals to share medical records of patients with given consent. The aim of this act is to manage and protect medical information effectively. However, civic groups and medical organizations strongly claim that there is a high possibility of leakage of individuals' private medical information that can raise conflicts of interest under the medical information act. Computerization of personal medical information is essential for the business efficiency, however, it may cause a serious damage to the society as well as to individuals should the information be used without the individuals' consent. In the age of knowledge and information, the improved medical service and its effectiveness via informatization is an unavoidable choice, however, it is also hoped that the issues of human rights be thoroughly considered in the process of medical informatization to prevent a potential aftermath to the people and the society.