South Korean Doctors Strike Continues Over Medical School Admissions Increase
In a bold move, some 9,000 doctors in South Korea have walked off the job in protest against the government's plans to increase medical school admissions. This strike has led to the suspension of licenses for trainee doctors who have refused to return to work, causing disruptions in hospitals across the country.
In a bold move, some 9,000 doctors in South Korea have walked off the job in protest against the government's plans to increase medical school admissions. This strike has led to the suspension of licenses for trainee doctors who have refused to return to work, causing disruptions in hospitals across the country.
The junior doctors who went on strike on February 20 have caused the cancellation of important operations and treatments, as well as affecting the functioning of emergency units in hospitals. Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong has warned that those who do not return to work may face serious consequences in their careers.
Despite the fact that the striking doctors represent only a fraction of the total number of doctors in South Korea, they make up a significant portion of the workforce in major hospitals, with some hospitals seeing up to 40 percent of their doctors participating in the strike.
The Korean Medical Association (KMA), which represents private practitioners, organized a mass rally in Seoul where thousands of doctors gathered to protest the government's actions. The doctors argue that the government should focus on addressing issues related to pay and working conditions before implementing changes to medical school admissions.
The government's plan to increase the number of students admitted to medical schools by 2,000 starting in 2025 is aimed at addressing the country's low doctor to patient ratio, which currently stands at 2.6 doctors per 1,000 people. Despite public support for the increase in medical school admissions, doctors remain steadfast in their opposition.
President Yoon Suk-yeol has taken a tough stance against the striking doctors, with his approval ratings rising as the standoff continues. With legislative elections approaching, the government is unlikely to back down quickly, setting the stage for a prolonged conflict between doctors and the authorities.
The doctors, however, remain resolute in their demands for better working conditions and a fair resolution to the current crisis. As the strike persists, both sides show no signs of backing down, setting the stage for a protracted battle over the future of healthcare in South Korea.
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