Seoul - South Korea faces escalating tensions in its healthcare system as medical school professors join trainee doctors in protest against government policies. The ongoing dispute, now entering its second month, is expected to deteriorate further with mass resignations of faculty members slated to begin this week. This collective action aims to oppose the government's plan to increase medical school admissions to address healthcare shortages, particularly in rural areas and specialized fields.
According to Philippines News Agency, resignations will commence on Monday, accompanied by a reduction in work hours to prioritize critical care and emergency services. From April 1, outpatient services will be curtailed to focus on severe and urgent cases. The academic community urges the government to reconsider its enrollment expansion plan and engage in constructive dialogue.
In response, Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong expressed grave concerns over the impact of these resignations on patient care and the healthcare system at large. The government has pledged to bolster emergency medical services to mitigate service disruptions and called for collaborative dialogue on healthcare reform. Despite the protests, the government maintains its position on increasing medical student intake, emphasizing adherence to legal and principled action in addressing the sector's challenges.