"2% of national health examination institutions determine 'inappropriate' for endoscopic disinfection"

Two out of 100 national health examination institutions were found to have been judged "inappropriate" in the disinfection inspection of endoscopic instruments.

According to the data received by Rep. Baek Jong-heon of the People's Power from the National Health Insurance Corporation, 2% of 28,000 national health examination institutions have been "inadequate" as a result of checking the disinfection status of stomach and colonoscopy since 2019.

The 'inadequate' decision is made when the regulations are violated, such as improper cleaning and disinfection of endoscopic instruments or reusing disposable products.

In particular, 83% of medical institutions that were judged "inappropriate" were found to be at the hospital level for gastroscopy and 77% for colonoscopy.

Lawmaker Baek pointed out that the government should strengthen management by overhauling guidelines related to endoscopic disinfection, as there is a risk of getting sick if endoscopic examination is performed with a device that has not been properly disinfected.