Health Minister Commits to Resolving Trainee Doctors’ Walkout Through Consultative Talks

SEOUL: Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong announced plans on Wednesday to address the ongoing walkout by trainee doctors through discussions facilitated by a consultative body that includes representatives from both ruling and opposition parties, as well as members of the medical community. The minister expressed hope that activating this consultative body could expedite a resolution to the medical impasse. According to Yonhap News Agency, Cho emphasized the government's commitment to easing the situation by the end of the year during a legislative session. Thousands of trainee doctors have been on strike since February, protesting a government plan to increase the medical school quota. The protestors demand a complete reevaluation of the decision to raise the number of medical school seats by 1,500 for the year 2025, as part of a broader initiative to increase the total number of medical students by 2,000 over the next five years, aimed at addressing a doctor shortage. Despite the government's attempt to find a solution through the consultative body, the Korea Medical Association (KMA), the nation's largest doctors' group, has refused to participate. The KMA insists that the government must withdraw its plan to increase medical school seats before engaging in any discussions. On the other hand, the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences and the Korea Association of Medical Colleges have agreed to join the consultative body, expressing willingness to convey the medical community's concerns. Minister Cho acknowledged that while these two organizations do not fully represent the entire medical community, they can adequately communicate its detailed stance. The government's efforts to mediate the situation continue amid ongoing tensions within the medical sector.