SEOUL — Prime Minister Han Duck-soo of South Korea urged doctors to avoid engaging in collective action as the medical community threatens to strike in response to the government's plan to increase medical school enrollment seats.
According to Yonhap News Agency, the Prime Minister voiced concerns over the potential impact on public health due to the doctors' proposed strike. The government earlier this month announced its decision to increase the medical school freshmen quota by 2,000 seats next year, a significant rise from the current 3,058 seats. This move has sparked warnings from doctors about a massive strike and other forms of protest.
Han emphasized the detrimental effects a healthcare vacuum could have on the public, stating, "The health care vacuum resulting from collective action is something that should never happen, as it takes people's lives and health as hostages." He further justified the government's decision by highlighting the necessity of securing more doctors to succeed in reforming the medical sector.
The call for calm comes as trainee doctors from five major general hospitals in Seoul announced plans to submit their resignation letters on Monday and initiate a walkout the following day. Han stressed the urgency of increasing the quota, which has remained unchanged for 27 years, pointing out the aging population of both patients and doctors.
Additionally, the Prime Minister reiterated the government's commitment to providing incentives for doctors, including the establishment of a "safety net" to limit criminal liability in cases of medical malpractice. A budget of 10 trillion won (US$7.4 billion) has been allocated to enhance compensation for medical services and attract more doctors to high-risk sectors by 2028.
Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong also expressed the government's willingness to engage in dialogue with doctors, urging them to refrain from taking collective action. The government has taken steps to monitor doctors' adherence to work orders and warned of stern actions against those participating in a strike.
As of Friday, 715 trainee doctors from 23 hospitals had submitted resignation letters, though none have been accepted. The Health Ministry warned of legal measures against doctors who engage in collective action, including the potential revocation of their licenses.
The Korean Medical Association has threatened indefinite strikes if the government persists in its plan, reflecting the deepening rift between the medical community and the government. Meanwhile, students from 35 medical schools have shown solidarity with the protesting doctors by planning to submit leave of absence requests.
A recent Gallup Korea poll indicated broad public support for the increase in the medical school quota, with 76 percent of respondents viewing the plan positively, underscoring the complex public sentiment surrounding this issue.