Thousands of junior doctors in South Korea are facing potential suspension of their medical licenses as authorities crack down on ongoing strikes that have disrupted hospital operations. Nearly 9,000 medical interns and residents have been on strike for the past two weeks to protest a government plan to increase medical school enrollment. Despite government orders to return to work by Feb. 29, most doctors have continued their walkouts.
The Health Ministry has initiated steps to suspend the licenses of striking doctors, with over 7,000 confirmed absences so far. The government plans to suspend licenses for at least three months, giving doctors a chance to respond before the suspensions take effect. Under South Korea's medical law, doctors who refuse to resume work could face prison sentences, fines, and license suspensions.
The dispute stems from the government's proposal to raise medical school enrollment by 2,000 students next year to address the needs of an aging population. However, many doctors argue that universities are not prepared for such a sudden increase in students, which could impact the quality of medical services in the country.
While the striking junior doctors represent a small fraction of South Korea's total doctors, they play a significant role in major hospitals, assisting senior doctors during their training. Some senior doctors have expressed support for the junior doctors but have not participated in the strikes.
Authorities are considering filing complaints with police against strike leaders and members of the Korea Medical Association for allegedly inciting and supporting the walkouts. It is expected that only select individuals will face punishment, rather than all 9,000 striking doctors. The administrative process to suspend licenses could take several months to complete.
