South Korea is set to suspend the licenses of thousands of striking junior doctors as a response to their prolonged walkouts that have disrupted hospital operations. The government plans to notify the medical interns and residents of the decision to suspend their licenses for missing the deadline to return to work.
Reasons for License Suspension
Since early March, the government has been taking steps to suspend the licenses of around 12,000 junior doctors who have been on strike. Each doctor could face a minimum three-month license suspension and possible indictment if they refuse to resume work as ordered by the government.
Prospects for Walkouts
Despite the impending suspensions, the striking doctors are unlikely to end their protests. Observers question the feasibility of suspending all striking doctors and anticipate legal challenges. Senior doctors are also threatening to resign in solidarity with the junior strikers, which could further strain medical services.
Center of the Dispute
The core issue revolves around the government's plan to increase medical school enrollment by 2,000 students annually. While officials argue this is necessary due to an aging population and doctor shortage, the protesting doctors fear a decline in education quality and potential income reduction in the future.
The public sentiment largely supports the government's plan to increase medical school admissions, with concerns that the current shortage of doctors needs to be addressed promptly.
The ongoing standoff between the government and the striking doctors continues to impact healthcare services in South Korea, with surgeries and treatments being postponed or canceled due to the walkouts.
