SEOUL: South Korea’s government told young doctors on Monday they have until the end of February to return to work or risk punishment for staging a week-long protest that has disrupted services for patients at several major hospitals. Two-thirds of local residents and trainee doctors walked off the job in protest against a government plan to increase the number of students admitted to medical school in a bid to address a shortage of doctors that authorities say will worsen. of the fastest aging companies in the world.
The protest forced hospitals to turn away patients and cancel procedures. “Given the gravity of the situation, the government is issuing a final plea,” Security Minister Lee Sang-min said at the start of the task force’s meeting, adding that chaos was mounting in hospitals and emergency services had reached a “dangerous situation”. “If you return to the hospital you left before February 29, you will not be held responsible for what has already happened,” he said. “We urge you to remember that your voice will be heard loudest and most effectively when you are with patients.” The government has previously warned it could take legal action against doctors who fail to comply with the return-to-work order, including prosecution, possible arrest and revocation of medical licenses.
The protesting young doctors say the government should first address pay and working conditions before trying to increase the number of doctors. Deputy Health Minister Park Min-soo said those who did not return by March 1 would face legal action, including a minimum three-month suspension of their medical licenses. Senior doctors and private practitioners did not join the walkout but held rallies urging the government to scrap its plan to increase medical school quotas. Many South Koreans support the plan, spearheaded by President Yoon Suk Yeol.
A recent Gallup Korea poll showed about 76% of respondents approved of the plan, regardless of political affiliation, and a separate Realmeter poll released Monday showed Yoon’s approval rating rising to 41.9%, the first time in eight months. crossed the 40% level. In a package of policy plans to improve medical services, the government said it would increase the number of new medical students by 2,000 a year and expand legal protections against malpractice suits and prosecutions. It also plans to provide incentives for doctors to practice in core areas such as pediatrics and general surgery and in regional areas where physician shortages are more severe.
But some doctors say the government’s plan is aimed at winning more votes in April’s general election. In a statement, medical professors at Seoul National University, which runs one of the country’s top medical schools, urged authorities to delay discussing the plan until after the election.
