South Korean President recently engaged in discussions with the leader of a strike involving thousands of junior doctors in the country. The strike, which commenced in February, saw over 90% of the nation's 13,000 trainee doctors walk off the job, leading to disruptions in hospital operations.
The primary point of contention revolves around the government's proposal to significantly increase medical school admissions. President Yoon Suk Yeol has defended the plan to add 2,000 more medical students annually, up from the current cap of 3,058. However, he expressed willingness to engage in dialogue if the doctors present a unified proposal with logical reasons for a more modest increase in the enrollment quota.
During the meeting with the head of the emergency committee for the Korea Intern Resident Association, President Yoon indicated his respect for the position of trainee doctors in potential talks regarding medical reform issues, including the expansion of the medical workforce.
While the outcome of the meeting remains undisclosed, the trainee doctors have previously demanded the withdrawal of the government's plan to increase student admissions by 2,000. The doctors argue that such a sudden surge in student numbers could strain universities and compromise the quality of medical services in the country.
Despite public support for President Yoon's proposal, the prolonged standoff between the government and doctors has led to frustration among ordinary citizens, with numerous medical procedures being postponed due to the strikes.
As the striking doctors face potential license suspensions for missing the government's deadline to return to work, there are suggestions of leniency if they voluntarily resume their duties. The striking doctors, who represent a fraction of the total medical practitioners in South Korea, play a significant role in major hospitals, assisting senior doctors during treatments and surgeries while undergoing training.
