Jacob Brown
Thousands of trainee doctors in South Korea’s largest hospitals staged a walkout on Wednesday to protest against a government plan to increase medical school admissions. The protest disrupted medical services for numerous patients, according to health authorities.
Government’s Plan for Medical School Expansion:
The South Korean government aims to raise medical school admissions from 3,000 to 5,000 by 2025 and add 10,000 more by 2035.
The objective is to address healthcare challenges in remote areas and accommodate the needs of the country’s rapidly aging population.
Doctors’ Concerns and Opposition:
Doctors and medical students participating in the protest argue that South Korea already has sufficient doctors. Before increasing student admissions, they advocate for improvements in pay and working conditions, especially for specialists in fields like pediatrics and emergency medicine.
Government Response and Continued Protests:
Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo urged protesters to prioritize patient care over collective action. Despite government orders to remain at work, over 7,800 doctors have participated in the walkout, challenging the order’s constitutionality.
The walkout has led to overcrowding in hospital emergency rooms, with major hospitals in Seoul canceling a significant portion of scheduled surgeries.
The disruption underscores concerns over staffing shortages in critical areas such as pediatrics and emergency care.
Public Opinion and Support for Government Plan:
Despite the protests, approximately 76% of South Koreans support the government’s initiative to increase medical student admissions.
Concerns persist over shortages in pediatrics, emergency units, and clinics outside Seoul.
Criticism from Medical Associations:
The Korea Interns and Residents Association, representing protesting doctors, criticizes the government’s plan as a political maneuver ahead of the upcoming general election. They demand better treatment and pay for medical professionals.
