Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong of South Korea issued an appeal to medical professors not to resign amidst the conflict between trainee doctors and the government over medical school enrollment. Over 90% of trainees have been on a prolonged strike against the government’s decision to increase enrollments.
Kyoo-hong emphasized that the resignation of medical professors could significantly impact services at major hospitals in the country. He urged professors to focus on persuading trainee doctors and students to return to hospitals and schools rather than participating in collective actions.
Health authorities will prioritize patients in critical condition by establishing top-tier medical emergency centers to ensure timely treatment. Concerns have arisen over cancellations and delays in surgeries and emergency treatment at local hospitals during the ongoing strike by trainee doctors.
The South Korean government is expected to suspend medical licenses of around 13,000 trainee doctors who have been defiant in their strike. Deputy Health Minister Jun Byung-wang warned that those who seek other jobs despite the return-to-work order will face punishment.
Despite the government’s efforts to increase the number of medical students, doctors argue that it will lower the quality of medical education and lead to higher medical costs for patients. The conflict between trainee doctors and the government continues, with concerns escalating over the impact on healthcare services in the country.
