SEOUL - The South Korean government has expressed its willingness to engage in open discussions with the medical community regarding the contentious plan to increase medical school admissions. Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong emphasized the government's readiness to consider alternative proposals if they are presented in a unified and reasonable manner based on scientific evidence.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the government's plan to raise medical school quotas by 2,000 seats next year has been met with significant opposition from the medical sector. Approximately 12,000 trainee doctors across the country have protested by leaving their posts since February 20, highlighting the tension between the government's policy and healthcare professionals. The withdrawal of these medical trainees has consequently exerted additional pressure on the already burdened public health services.
The government asserts that the decision to expand the admissions quota is grounded in scientific research and prior discussions with the medical field. Nevertheless, Minister Cho signaled a potential openness to revisiting the extent of the quota increase. He underscored the government's commitment to achieving a resolution through earnest dialogue, aiming to bridge the divide with the medical community over this issue.
This debate has gained prominence against the backdrop of the upcoming parliamentary elections, where the ruling People Power Party seeks to secure a majority. The controversy surrounding the medical school admissions quota is anticipated to be a critical issue as the elections approach, reflecting its significance to both the medical community and the broader public.