South Korea is in the midst of a medical crisis as thousands of medical interns and residents defy government orders to end their strike, risking suspension of medical licenses and legal prosecution. The strike, which has been ongoing for about 10 days, is in response to the government's plan to increase medical school enrollments by admitting 2,000 more applicants next year.
The government aims to address the country's low doctor-to-population ratio and the fast-aging population by adding up to 10,000 new doctors by 2035. However, many doctors argue that universities are not prepared to provide quality education to such a large number of students and that the plan fails to address shortages in essential specialties like pediatrics and emergency departments.
The strike has led to the cancellation or delay of hundreds of surgeries and medical treatments at hospitals, impacting patient care. While emergency and critical patient care remains stable due to extended working hours at public medical institutions and military hospitals opening their emergency rooms to the public, experts warn that if senior doctors join the strike, the medical service in South Korea could face serious damage.
The government has warned that doctors who do not return to work could face suspension of their medical licenses for up to one year, as well as fines or prison sentences. Despite the government's warnings, many striking doctors are expected to continue the boycott, with formal steps towards penalties set to begin on Monday.
Patients, like a 60-year-old woman diagnosed with breast cancer, are anxiously waiting for an end to the strike to ensure timely treatments. The public is divided on the issue, with some supporting the government's plan to increase doctor numbers while others sympathize with the concerns of the striking junior doctors.
The situation remains tense as the government and doctors remain at an impasse, with no immediate resolution in sight.
