The South Korean Health Ministry has taken a firm stance against around 5,000 trainee doctors, who have defied orders to return to work. These junior doctors have been protesting the government’s proposal to increase medical school admissions. As reported by South Korean News Agency, the Health Ministry sent prior notices to suspend the medical licenses of these trainee doctors on Monday.
Deputy Health Minister Jun Byung-wang stated last week, the ministry completed sending notices to 4,944 junior doctors. These doctors will now have to submit their opinions on punitive measures by March 25. Additionally, the ministry plans to open a hotline for physicians wishing to return to work.
With nearly 93 per cent of all junior doctors leaving their worksites at 100 teaching hospitals as of Friday, the health ministry is facing a significant challenge. Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong expressed willingness to take lenient measures if trainee doctors return to work before administrative procedures to suspend their licenses are completed.
As a consequence of the protests, local hospitals have experienced cancellations and delays in surgeries and emergency medical treatment. To address the shortage of medical staff, the government has deployed 158 military and public health doctors to local hospitals for a four-week period.
In response to the ongoing crisis, the health ministry has allowed nurses to perform some of the roles of doctors, including CPR. Minister Cho highlighted the government’s commitment to resolving the shortage of doctors, especially in rural areas and essential medical fields, by pushing for an increase in physician numbers.
However, doctors opposing the quota hikes argue that they will undermine the quality of medical education and services and lead to higher medical costs for patients. They have called for measures to address underpaid specialists and improve legal protection against excessive medical malpractice lawsuits.
Last week, thousands of doctors took to the streets in Seoul to voice their opposition to the government’s proposal. The demonstration highlighted broader concerns regarding insufficient support for the nation’s healthcare system. Protesters urged the government to address various challenges facing the healthcare system beyond merely increasing medical school admissions.
