The National Human Rights Commission of Korea has determined that excluding diagnoses from Oriental medicine doctors during the evaluation for special transportation services for vulnerable individuals is a form of discrimination. This conclusion follows a complaint lodged by a Korean medicine practitioner operating in Gumi, who argued that their diagnosis was not recognized by the city in the assessment for a special transport service, known as 'Bureum Call'. The commission indicated that the Gumi city officials' decision to disregard Oriental medicine documentation was unjust, thus highlighting the need for inclusivity regarding different medical practitioner credentials.

Gumi officials justified their initial exclusion by pointing to an increase in users of special transportation services, claiming that the limitation was necessary for budgetary and operational constraints. They also cited that the classification criteria for assessing temporary mobility difficulties, as outlined by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, did not expressly include Oriental medicine practitioners. However, the commission countered this reasoning by arguing that the diagnostic skills of medical doctors and Oriental medicine doctors are legally equivalent, and the blanket exclusion from assessments lacks substantial justification.

This finding by the commission underscores a significant issue within public health policy and transportation services for vulnerable populations. It reflects broader implications for how various medical professions are recognized within health systems and the potential for systemic discrimination against certain practices. Correcting this oversight could lead to more equitable access to services for all healthcare practitioners and the vulnerable populations they serve.