South Korea is facing a healthcare crisis as thousands of junior doctors continue their walkouts in protest of the government's plan to increase medical school admissions. The government aims to address the country's aging population by adding more doctors, but the striking doctors argue that a sudden surge in student numbers would compromise the quality of medical services.
The situation escalated when the government moved to suspend the licenses of the striking doctors after they missed a return deadline. In response, senior doctors at major hospitals, including Seoul National University Hospital, threatened to resign en masse if the government fails to resolve the dispute promptly.
While the collective resignation decision is not mandatory, it could significantly impact hospital operations. The striking doctors, who represent less than 10% of the country's total doctors, play crucial roles in surgeries and patient care, leading to canceled treatments and surgeries at affected hospitals.
The government's plan to increase medical school enrollment by 2,000 students next year has sparked concerns among doctors about job competition and potential over-treatment practices. Despite the government's argument for addressing physician shortages, the striking doctors fear the consequences of an influx of new doctors into the system.
Public opinion on the doctors' protests remains divided, with critics questioning their motives amid South Korea's doctor-to-population ratio being one of the lowest in the developed world. The government has urged dialogue with the striking doctors to ensure the continuity of medical services and patient care.
As the standoff continues, the future of South Korea's healthcare system hangs in the balance, with both sides needing to find a resolution that safeguards the interests of patients and healthcare providers alike.
