South Korea’s president has stood firm in the face of ongoing protests by doctors opposing his plan to significantly increase medical school admissions. The president labeled the doctors' walkouts as 'illegal collective action' that poses a 'grave threat to society.'
Approximately 12,000 medical interns and residents in South Korea have been on strike for six weeks, leading to the cancellation of hundreds of surgeries and treatments at university hospitals. Despite this, many senior doctors at teaching hospitals have continued to treat patients.
The government aims to raise the annual medical school cap by 2,000 from the current 3,058 to address the country’s aging population. Doctors argue that schools cannot handle such a sudden increase in students and that it would negatively impact medical services. Critics suggest that doctors fear a surplus of physicians would lead to lower future incomes.
Public opinion polls indicate that a majority of South Koreans support the government's plan. However, the prolonged conflict between the government and doctors has caused frustration among the populace, potentially affecting the ruling party's candidates in upcoming parliamentary elections.
President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized the necessity of adding 2,000 medical students to address shortages in rural areas, the military, and essential but low-paying medical fields. He highlighted that South Korea's doctor-to-patient ratio is significantly lower than the developed world average.
Yoon urged the striking doctors to return to work, emphasizing their responsibility to safeguard lives. He expressed willingness to engage in dialogue if doctors present a unified proposal outlining their concerns.
The president assured that the recruitment plan would not reduce doctors' earnings, citing anticipated increases in national income and medical service demand in the aging society.
The Korean Medical Association criticized Yoon for reiterating the government's stance on the recruitment plan. Yoon indicated a willingness to soften punitive measures against the striking doctors if they resume work promptly.
Efforts are underway to find a resolution to the standoff between the government and doctors. The newly elected head of the Korean Medical Association has called for talks with the government, demanding an apology and the dismissal of top health officials involved in the recruitment plan.
Doctors argue that the government's enrollment plan lacks strategies to address key medical issues, potentially leading to an oversupply of doctors in certain specialties and regions.
