South Korea Moves to Suspend Licenses of Thousands of Trainee Doctors Amid StrikeDAR Celebrates Women Farmers and Employees with Special Activities for Women’s Month
SEOUL — The South Korean government announced on Monday that it has initiated procedures to suspend the medical licenses of approximately 7,000 trainee doctors who have continued their strike in defiance of an order to return to work.
According to Philippines News Agency, this step is seen as a response to the ongoing strike by around 9,000 trainee doctors at general hospitals nationwide, which has entered its 14th consecutive day. The strike is a protest against the government’s decision to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 seats starting next year, up from the current 3,058 seats.
Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo emphasized that the decision to suspend the licenses would be “irreversible” and could significantly impact the doctors’ future careers. He stated that the government plans to conduct on-site investigations to identify violations and will take strict and prompt action against those responsible for the collective action that has led to disruptions in the medical sector.
Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong also noted that authorities would begin taking punitive steps against the trainee doctors for their “illegal” labor actions, reinforcing the government’s stance against such protests. The interns and residents involved in the strike are crucial to the functioning of surgeries and emergency services at major hospitals, and their absence has resulted in widespread cancellations and delays.
The government had previously issued a deadline for the protesting doctors to resume work, warning that failure to comply could lead to criminal charges or the revocation of their licenses. Despite this warning, the majority of trainee doctors have remained off the job. As of the last reported Thursday, 8,945 trainee doctors had left their positions, with only 565 returning to work.
Doctors found in violation of the government’s order may face up to a year’s suspension of their medical licenses, three years in prison, or a fine of 30 million won (approximately US$22,455). The government argues that increasing the number of physicians is necessary to address doctor shortages in rural areas and essential medical fields, as well as to cope with the country’s aging population. However, the striking doctors contend that increasing admissions quotas will compromise the quality of medical education and lead to higher healthcare costs for patients. They demand that the government first address issues such as underpayment of specialists and enhance legal protections against medical malpractice lawsuits.
MANILA – The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) has announced a series of activities throughout Women’s Month aimed at honoring women farmers and its female employees, reinforcing the department’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in the agricultural sector.
According to Philippines News Agency, DAR’s Gender and Development National Steering Committee will pay homage to women’s pivotal roles and achievements in leadership, power, and decision-making. The celebration, under the theme “Lipunang Patas sa Bagong Pilipinas: Kakayahan ng Kababaihan, Patutunayan!” (Equal Society in the New Philippines: Recognize Women’s Capabilities), will feature gender sensitivity fora, health and wellness activities, a food festival, bloodletting, a bazaar, and film showings on women empowerment.
Undersecretary Amihilda Sangcopan of DAR Mindanao Affairs highlighted a short story film contest on women farmers aimed at recognizing the triumphs and challenges faced by women agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs). “Rural women continue to suffer multiple burdens – the lack of access to resources, infrastructures, and basic social services. These short films will show how they succeeded against the hardships they have encountered,” Sangcopan explained. The winning films will be publicly showcased from March 11 to 15 during the DAR bazaar at the Quezon City central office, with the award ceremony scheduled for March 25.
The Women’s Month celebration at DAR’s main office featured Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda as a guest speaker, where she advocated for gender inclusivity in the agriculture sector. Highlighting the critical role of women in addressing hunger and malnutrition, Legarda pointed out the systemic barriers that limit women’s potential in the sector. “Overcoming women’s marginalization and giving them financial independence are imperatives for the entire sector to thrive,” she stated.
Despite the Philippines’ leadership in gender equality in Southeast Asia, a study by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies revealed that women constitute only 26 percent of agricultural employment in the country, underscoring the need for continued efforts towards gender inclusivity. Undersecretary for Policy, Planning, and Research Office Luis Meinrado Pañgulayan assured that DAR provides equal treatment across all its programs, including the selection process for ARBs.
Legarda, who has been a vocal advocate for women’s rights and has sponsored legislation such as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act, the Magna Carta of Women, and the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, emphasized the importance of vigilant implementation of these laws and the ongoing commitment to enhancing policies and programs towards gender equity.