South Korea's president has declared his unwavering stance against the ongoing protests by doctors opposing his plan to significantly boost medical school admissions. The president labeled the doctors' walkouts as 'illegal collective action' that poses a serious 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 numerous surgeries and treatments at university hospitals. Despite the support from senior doctors at teaching hospitals who have submitted resignations, patient care has not halted.
The government aims to raise the annual medical school cap by 2,000 students from the current 3,058 to address the needs of an aging population. Doctors argue that the sudden surge in student numbers could overwhelm educational institutions and negatively impact medical services. Critics suggest that doctors, among the highest-paid professionals in South Korea, fear a potential decrease in future earnings with an influx of new doctors.
Public opinion polls indicate that a majority of South Koreans back the government's initiative to increase the number of doctors. However, the prolonged standoff between the government and doctors has caused frustration among the populace, potentially affecting the ruling party's electoral prospects in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
President Yoon Suk Yeol emphasized in a televised address that the addition of 2,000 medical students is crucial to address the shortage of physicians in rural areas, the military, and essential yet underpaid fields like pediatrics and emergency medicine. He highlighted that South Korea's doctor-to-patient ratio is significantly lower than the global average.
Yoon urged the striking doctors to resume work, emphasizing their duty to safeguard lives in accordance with local medical regulations. He expressed willingness to engage in dialogue if doctors present a cohesive proposal outlining their concerns about the proposed enrollment increase.
The president assured that the recruitment plan would not lead to reduced earnings for doctors, citing anticipated growth in national income and healthcare demand in the aging society. Yoon's administration is prepared to explore alternative solutions to the dispute and engage in constructive discussions with doctors to find a resolution.
While the government is considering measures to address the strike, Yoon indicated a preference for leniency towards the young doctors involved if they return to work promptly.
The striking junior doctors, though a minority among South Korea's medical professionals, play a significant role in major hospitals, supporting senior doctors during procedures and training activities. They argue that the government's enrollment strategy lacks provisions to address critical medical issues and may lead to an oversaturation of doctors in certain specialties.
