Doctors Protest Increase in Medical Students
Hundreds of South Korean doctors took to the streets in Seoul and other cities on Thursday to protest against the government’s plan to increase the number of medical students. The doctors’ groups argue that the proposed increase of 2,000 students starting in 2025 is too steep. Instead, they are calling on officials to address the issue of low medical fees.
Shortage of Doctors in South Korea
The South Korean government believes that the country needs more doctors due to a growing demand for medical services caused by an aging population. Despite this, South Korea has one of the lowest numbers of doctors relative to its population among developed countries. The shortage is most prominent in key professions such as obstetrics and pediatrics, as well as in rural regions outside the capital area.
Resistance to Increasing Medical Student Quota
South Korea has maintained a quota of 3,058 medical students since 2006. Doctors’ groups have successfully resisted previous attempts by the government to increase this number, including during the COVID-19 pandemic. While doctors have threatened strikes in the past, the Health Ministry believes that large-scale walkouts that disrupt medical services are unlikely.
Doctors Demand Improved Conditions
During the protests, doctors held banners and signs expressing their opposition to the increase in medical students without the consent of the medical sector. They argue that if the government wants doctors to work in crucial sectors like obstetrics and pediatrics, it needs to address issues such as legal safety nets and increased medical fees. These measures would ease the pressure on doctors in these sectors.
Government’s Response
The South Korean government plans to meet with doctors’ groups to discuss their concerns. However, it has no intentions of adjusting the scale and timing of the proposed increase in medical students. Second Vice Health Minister, Park Min-soo, stated that the government believes the increase is necessary.
Public Opinion and Future Developments
An editorial in the Korea JoongAng Daily newspaper criticized the doctors’ potential strike, suggesting that it would receive little public support. As the government moves forward with its plan, it remains to be seen how negotiations with the doctors’ groups will unfold.
