Seoul: South Korea’s primary doctors’ association announced on Sunday its intention to initiate a strike on June 18 in protest of the government’s healthcare reform agenda, despite warnings from the prime minister regarding potential damage to the medical community’s credibility.
The Korean Medical Association (KMA), representing approximately 140,000 doctors nationwide, revealed that 74% of participating members had voted in favor of “collective action”. President Lim Hyun-taek emphasized concerns that the government’s proposed reforms could dismantle the existing medical infrastructure without addressing longstanding issues such as the shortage of doctors in crucial specialties and inadequate compensation.
Addressing a gathering attended by representatives from various medical factions, Lim asserted, “With the support of representatives throughout the country, the Korean Medical Association (KMA) will stand at the forefront of the fight to rescue the medical system.” Plans include a cessation of work on June 18, with arrangements underway for a large-scale rally.
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South Korean doctors are particularly opposed to a key aspect of the reform plan: the proposal to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 students from the current 3,000. This move, the government argues, is vital to mitigate the severe shortage of physicians anticipated in the coming years. However, it has sparked discontent among medical trainees, including interns and resident doctors, who staged a walkout on February 20, leading to reduced non-emergency services in major hospitals and the redirection of patients from emergency rooms.
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Prior to the KMA’s announcement, the government urged the association to refrain from actions that might jeopardize public safety, cautioning that such behavior could tarnish the reputation of the medical profession and erode public trust. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo reiterated the government’s stance against collective action by doctors, labeling it illegal and expressing deep regret. He reiterated the call for dialogue to resolve the impasse, emphasizing the importance of preserving the trust built between the medical community and patients over decades.
