Seoul - In a significant escalation of its response to ongoing medical protests, the South Korean government has initiated legal action against doctors opposing its medical education reform plan. The Ministry of Health and Welfare filed a police complaint against five doctors associated with the Korea Medical Association, the nation's largest doctors' lobby group, for allegedly violating medical law and obstructing justice. This marks the government's first legal move against the backdrop of a mass walkout by approximately 9,000 interns and residents that commenced eight days ago.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the protests have significantly disrupted South Korea's healthcare system, prompting the government to adopt stringent legal and administrative measures. Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong has set a back-to-work deadline for this Thursday, warning that failure to comply could result in legal penalties, including the suspension of medical licenses. Cho emphasized the government's intention to uphold the law against illegal collective action, urging trainee doctors to return to their duties to avoid accountability for their walkout.
The government's stance comes as the medical community protests plans to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 slots, aiming to address doctor shortages in rural areas and specialized fields. However, the protesting doctors argue for improved protection from malpractice suits and better compensation, rather than an increase in the number of medical students, as solutions to these issues.
To mitigate the impact on medical services, the health ministry has authorized nurses to assume broader medical roles under legal protection. The ministry also plans to conduct inspections at 50 hospitals by week's end to investigate the extent of work stoppages among trainee doctors. Meanwhile, the widespread protests have led to a noticeable decline in patient admissions and surgical operations at general hospitals.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, more than 13,000 medical students nationwide have filed for leaves of absence in protest against the government's quota increase plan, with additional boycotts occurring at six medical schools. The protests have raised concerns about a healthcare service crisis, underscored by incidents of patient harm, including the death of an elderly woman from cardiac arrest after failing to receive timely medical treatment.
In light of these developments, the government is also investigating a case in Daejeon where an elderly patient died after an extensive search for an available emergency room, highlighting the critical gaps in healthcare provision amid the ongoing protests.