SEOUL — Prime Minister Han Duck-soo has urged the medical community to support the government's initiative to significantly increase the number of medical school admissions, labeling it a critical first step in the country's healthcare reform efforts. This appeal came in response to the government's recent announcement of its intention to add 2,000 seats to the medical school enrollment quota next year, an initiative that would expand the current cap of 3,058 seats established in 2006.
According to Yonhap News Agency, while addressing a Cabinet meeting, this expansion is fundamental to the reform of healthcare systems and has garnered public support for addressing the recognized need for more medical professionals in South Korea.
However, the proposal has met with considerable opposition from doctors' groups, which argue that the government should prioritize the better distribution of physicians across the country and enhance their compensation instead. Some groups have even threatened to strike in protest of the plan. In light of these tensions, Han issued a stern warning against any illegal actions stemming from collective protests, underscoring the nation's struggle with a shortage of doctors in essential healthcare sectors. Medical professionals, he noted, often opt for specialties in less critical areas that present fewer risks.
"The government will respond strictly in accordance with the law and principles to illegal acts that threaten the health and lives of the people," Han declared. Amid these developments, the Korean Intern Resident Association, representing interns and residents, has held a meeting to deliberate on their next steps, though no formal statement has been issued yet.
In a related move, the Korea Medical Association, which acts as a major lobbying group for doctors, has declared its plan to conduct protest rallies across the country on Thursday, marking its first collective action since the organization declared an emergency mode in response to the government's proposed reforms.