New Law Prohibits Self-Prescribing of Propofol by Medical Professionals

Starting February 7, a new law will officially prohibit medical professionals from self-prescribing propofol, a powerful anesthetic. Violators could face up to five years in prison or fines of up to 50 million KRW. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced this regulation on January 29, emphasizing the need to combat the misuse of this substance. The decision follows consultations with relevant organizations, including the Korean Medical Association and the Korean Hospital Association, and aims to address concerns regarding the potential for abuse of propofol.

In the latter half of last year, the MFDS advised medical institutions employing doctors who had self-prescribed narcotics to ensure that these professionals receive prescriptions from other doctors instead. According to the MFDS, from June 2022 to May 2023, a total of 8,319 doctors were found to have self-prescribed narcotics, with 27,770 prescriptions issued, totaling 1,058,775 units. In the past year alone, 6,955 doctors and 5,788 medical institutions engaged in self-prescribing practices. Notably, 448 doctors self-prescribed propofol over the last five years. The MFDS hopes that this new regulation will help prevent the misuse of medical narcotics by ensuring that prescriptions are based on objective diagnoses.