President Lee condemns syringe hoarding as 'anti-social behavior,' vows 'severe punishment'

President Lee Jae-myung has strongly denounced the hoarding of medical supplies, specifically syringes, labeling it an 'anti-social act' that capitalizes on public crises. His firm stance came as he shared a news report detailing the discovery of numerous companies engaged in hoarding syringes, a practice he vowed to 'severely punish.' This condemnation highlights the administration's commitment to ethical practices and public welfare, especially during times of heightened demand and potential scarcity.

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Anti-social behavior that exacerbates crises for profit will be severely punished.

The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety conducted special inspections nationwide from April 20th to 22nd, uncovering significant violations of the 'Ban on Hoarding of Syringes and Needles' directive. Reports indicated companies holding onto over 130,000 syringes for more than five days without selling them, while others sold an astonishing 620,000 syringes—59 times their average monthly sales—to just 33 buyers over six days. A total of 32 companies were found to have violated the hoarding regulations.

In response to these findings, President Lee has instructed the cabinet to expedite investigations, impose severe penalties, and apply the maximum administrative sanctions against those found guilty. He emphasized the importance of collective well-being, questioning the point of individual prosperity if it comes at the expense of the community's needs. The government's directive also includes continuous monitoring of production, sales, and inventory data from manufacturers and distributors to prevent future occurrences.

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The government has ordered swift investigations, severe punishment, and maximum administrative sanctions against violators.

The government's proactive measures, including the issuance of the 'Ban on Hoarding of Syringes and Needles' directive on April 14th, were prompted by concerns over supply chain disruptions exacerbated by international conflicts. Despite a 28% increase in daily syringe production this year compared to last, the special inspections were deemed necessary to ensure equitable distribution and prevent price gouging. The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is also operating a reporting center for public tips, reinforcing its commitment to transparency and public participation in maintaining market stability.

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What's the fun in living well alone? Let's live well together.