A police search of Ajou University Hospital’s pediatric emergency center has triggered the threatened resignation of seven pediatric emergency specialists and prompted an expression of regret from the Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency. The dispute began after investigators entered the center on September 30 while examining the death of an infant from Uzbekistan who had received treatment for cyanosis at the hospital.
- Search date
- September 30
- Medical response
- Seven specialists expressed an intention to resign
- Authorities involved
- Police and health officials are preparing procedural guidance
Police said the search had been discussed with the hospital in advance and its scope was minimized. The agency also maintained that emergency rooms are not among the locations where searches are restricted under criminal procedure law. Medical groups countered that compulsory investigative activity inside an emergency facility could disrupt care, unsettle clinicians and threaten continuity for patients.
Seven specialists signal their departure
The center director and six other pediatric emergency specialists subsequently expressed their intention to resign. Their response turned the search into a wider dispute over how investigators should secure evidence in essential medical facilities without impairing treatment. The controversy reached a National Assembly audit, where the provincial police agency expressed regret and said guidance would be prepared to prevent a recurrence.
The National Police Agency and the Ministry of Health and Welfare are now developing procedures for investigations involving emergency rooms and other essential medical institutions. The health minister and acting police chief have also discussed follow-up measures. The ministry said the guiding principle would be to preserve necessary evidence while minimizing any effect on continuity of care.
A civic group has separately filed complaints against eight officials, including the interior and health ministers and police leadership, alleging violations that include the Emergency Medical Service Act. Legal and medical-law experts cited in the report said both lawful investigation and protection of clinicians’ ability to provide care are important. They argued against automatically blocking court-authorized warrants at medical institutions, while calling for specific safeguards, consultation and public discussion to prevent harm to patients during execution.