SEOUL — South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has directed Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to intensify communications with the medical sector about the government’s new health reform proposals. This instruction came as a response to the ongoing strikes by junior doctors, which have persisted for more than a month against plans to increase medical school admissions.
According to Yonhap News Agency, President Yoon emphasized the importance of close dialogue with various societal sectors, particularly the medical community, during his regular meeting with Prime Minister Han at the presidential office. The medical practitioners are protesting the government's proposal to boost the number of medical school slots by 2,000 starting the following year.
In addition to addressing the medical community's concerns, President Yoon also tasked the Prime Minister with exploring "flexible" solutions regarding the potential suspension of medical licenses, a measure expected to be applied to protesting doctors from Tuesday. Moreover, Yoon instructed Han to ensure the smooth management of the upcoming April 10 parliamentary elections, with a focus on facilitating transportation for voters with mobility issues.
In line with the President’s directives, Prime Minister Han is scheduled to meet with medical community representatives at Seoul National University Hospital on Tuesday, as confirmed by Han's office.