By Lee Kyung-min
The Ministry of Health and Welfare has barred a doctor blamed for the death of late singer Shin Hae-chul from conducting weight-loss treatments.
The ministry said Wednesday that it ordered the doctor, surnamed Kang, to halt his treatments following a series of accidents in which his patients suffered complications or died after surgery. If he defies the order, he will be subject to suspension of his hospital operations.
Under the current law, the government can make such an order to medical facilities or practitioners if there are serious concerns for public safety.
Kang is on trial on charges of professional negligence resulting in death.
In January, an Australian died after receiving abdominal surgery in November from the surgeon who did the same operation on the singer. A Canadian who underwent a similar procedure from Kang in October has suffered from complications.
The doctor was indicted for causing the death of singer Shin Hae-chul who had an operation for intestinal adhesions and obstructions in October 2014, following an adjustable gastric band operation five years earlier.
Kang accidentally perforated his small intestine, and he eventually died, according to police investigation.
Separately, Shin’s family filed a civil suit last May, seeking over 2.3 billion won ($1.9 million) from the doctor and the insurance company.