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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
World
Justin McCurry in Tokyo and agencies

South Korea doctors’ strike: ‘severe’ public health alert issued for first time

South Korea Public Health Ahn Youngjoon
Doctors stage a rally against the government's medical policy near the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea.
Doctors stage a rally against the government's medical policy near the presidential office in Seoul, South Korea as part of their strike. Half of operations have been cancelled. Photograph: Ahn Young-joon/AP

South Korea has raised its public health alert to “severe” for the first time, after thousands of doctors went on strike to protest against government recruitment plans, in a dispute that shows no sign of resolution.

The walkout by 8,400 doctors had started to impact medical services, with major general hospitals forced to cancel up to 50% of operations and turn away patients seeking emergency care, according to the Yonhap news agency.

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