Trainee Doctors Walk Out as Police Raid Korean Medical Association Offices

Seoul, March 1 (IANS) Some offices of the Korean Medical Association (KMA) were raided by police in connection to the instigation of a walkout by trainee doctors. The raids come after the government-set deadline for the trainee doctors to return to work and marks the first investigative action taken by the police since the walkout on February 20.

Investigators from the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency searched several offices, including that of the KMA’s emergency committee and the Seoul Medical Association, to secure evidence from the mobile phones and computers of the officials. The health ministry had filed a police complaint against five current and former Association leaders, accusing them of instigating the trainee doctors’ mass resignations by providing legal assistance and expressing support.

Thousands of intern and resident doctors have been on strike at general hospitals nationwide since last week, protesting the government’s plan to increase the medical school admission quota by 2,000 seats next year. The government had given the striking doctors until the end of Thursday to return to work or face punitive action, such as the suspension of their medical licenses.

The police had also warned that those accused in connection with the walkout would face arrest if they defy police questioning without a valid reason. This marks a significant development in the ongoing standoff between the government and the medical community regarding the proposed changes in the medical education system.

The investigation into the KMA leaders and the ongoing strike by intern and resident doctors highlight the deepening conflict between the medical community and the government. The outcome of the investigation and the response of the doctors to the government’s ultimatum will have a significant impact on the future of healthcare in South Korea.