Trainee doctors in South Korea have collectively walked off their jobs in protest of a government initiative to recruit more medical students. This move has led to the cancellation of surgeries and medical treatments at hospitals across the country.
The Health Ministry has urged the doctors to return to work immediately, emphasizing the importance of not endangering the lives of patients in their fight against the government's decision.
As of Monday night, over half of the 13,000 medical interns and residents in South Korea had submitted resignations, with 1,630 already leaving their work sites. However, none of the resignations have been accepted at this point.
The dispute stems from the government's recent announcement to increase medical student admissions by 2,000 starting next year, aiming to address a perceived shortage of doctors due to the country's aging population. Critics of the plan argue that universities may struggle to accommodate the influx of new students and suggest that funding should be directed towards raising medical fees instead.
Despite the doctors' protests, a survey indicates that approximately 75% of South Koreans support the government's efforts to train more doctors. Critics of the protesting doctors suggest that their primary concern is the potential impact on their incomes if more doctors enter the field.
If the walkouts continue or are joined by senior doctors, it could lead to disruptions in medical services at teaching hospitals and across the country. The Korea Medical Association has announced plans to hold rallies in support of the trainees but has not yet decided on launching strikes.
Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo has emphasized the importance of prioritizing patient care over protests, stating that endangering patients' lives to express dissent is unacceptable.
Amidst the ongoing tensions, a lung cancer patient has called for doctors and government officials to resolve their differences and ensure that patients continue to receive necessary medical care.
