Senior Doctors Support Junior Doctors on Strike
Thousands of senior doctors in South Korea gathered in Seoul to show solidarity with junior doctors who have been on strike protesting against a government proposal to significantly increase medical school admissions.
Government Threatens Suspension of Medical Licenses
In response to the ongoing strikes, the government announced plans to suspend the medical licenses of nearly 9,000 medical interns and residents to bring an end to the disruptions in hospital operations.
Doctor’s Resistance and Rally
Senior member of the Korea Medical Association, Park Sung-min, denounced the government’s medical policy as “absurd” and called for an end to the threats and suppression faced by doctors. Protesters at the rally voiced their dissent through slogans, songs, and placards without any reports of violence.
Impact of Strikes on Healthcare System
As a result of the strikes, a significant number of doctors have left their work sites, leading to a high number of cancellations in surgeries and medical treatments, especially at major hospitals where junior doctors play essential roles.
Government’s Plan and Doctor’s Concerns
The government’s proposal to increase medical school enrollment by 2,000 aims to address the aging population’s healthcare needs. However, many doctors argue that the sudden influx of new students would strain medical schools and overlook the existing shortage of doctors in crucial but underpaid specialties.