Doctors Protest Government Medical Policy
Trainee doctors in South Korea have taken a bold stand by resigning en masse to protest a government medical policy. The government’s plan to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 has caused a rift between health authorities and doctors’ groups.
Urgent Need for More Doctors
Health authorities argue that South Korea urgently needs more doctors due to its fast-aging population. However, doctors’ groups believe that the focus should be on raising medical fees and addressing existing issues before increasing admissions.
Impact on Medical Services
The resignations have caused delays in surgeries and other treatments at hospitals across the country. Trainee doctors at major hospitals have submitted resignations, leading to rescheduling of surgeries and procedures. Reports indicate that some hospitals have had to cancel or postpone critical medical procedures.
Government Response
In response to the crisis, Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo expressed concerns and emphasized that the government has ordered the trainees to continue working. The Prime Minister assured that emergency medical treatment centers will remain operational, even deploying military doctors if necessary.
The situation remains tense as the government and doctors’ groups stand at odds over the future of medical education in South Korea.
