Mass Protest by South Korean Medical Professionals in Seoul
Medical professionals in South Korea gathered in Seoul to demonstrate against proposed increases in medical school admissions and voiced concerns about the overall lack of government support for the healthcare system in the country.
Thousands of doctors in South Korea gathered in Seoul on Sunday to protest against the government's proposal to increase medical school admissions. They also expressed concerns about the overall lack of support for the country's medical system.
According to the protesting doctors, the government should focus on addressing a variety of issues affecting the healthcare system, rather than solely focusing on the number of doctors being trained each year.
Their worries involve the availability of enough staff in certain areas, the cost of important medical treatments covered by the government, and the need for a solid system to train a large influx of new medical students.
In February, the government unveiled a new initiative to boost the number of students accepted into medical schools by 2,000 starting in the academic year of 2025, reaching a total of 5,000 students per year.
Trainee doctors in South Korea are upset about challenging working conditions such as low salaries and extended shifts. On February 21, approximately 8,000 trainee doctors initiated a strike by handing in their resignation letters. Since then, an additional 1,000 trainee doctors have also resigned.
A doctor writes messages during a rally to protest against government plans to increase medical school admissions in Seoul on Sunday.
A doctor writes messages during a rally to protest against government plans to increase medical school admissions in Seoul on Sunday.
The government is making this move to address the evolving healthcare needs of one of the world's rapidly aging populations and to improve healthcare access in rural areas of the country.
The country has seen a decrease of nearly a quarter in the number of child care facilities in recent years, as reported by CNN in July. This reflects the government's struggle to persuade couples to have more children.
On the other hand, the population is aging quickly, leading to a significant increase in the number of elderly care facilities. According to the country's health and welfare ministry, the number has risen from 76,000 in 2017 to 89,643 in 2022.
Compounding the challenge, South Korea is facing the world's lowest birth rate, which has been decreasing since 2015.
On Tuesday, President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea stated that his government would not change its plans.
At a press conference, it was stated that protecting vulnerable populations like children, the elderly, and people with disabilities is a key part of the government's welfare policy in healthcare. Therefore, the medical reform is not up for negotiation or compromise.
A recent Gallup poll revealed that 76% of respondents support the idea of increasing medical school admissions.
The government issued a back-to-work order on Thursday, cautioning striking doctors that their medical licenses could be suspended if they did not return to work.
However, despite the deadline, a spokesperson for South Korea's doctors expressed their support for the walkout and stated that they would persist in advocating for their demands to be addressed.
The government has brought in military doctors to ensure healthcare services are still available during the strike. Additionally, nurses have been granted legal protection to carry out certain medical procedures usually done by doctors, as stated by the health ministry.
Reporting for this information was provided by CNN’s Jessie Yeung and Yoonjung Seo.
Editor's P/S:
The article highlights the complex challenges facing South Korea's healthcare system. While the government recognizes the need to address the aging population and healthcare access in rural areas, the protesting doctors rightly raise concerns about the overall support for the medical system. The lack of staffing, low salaries, and extended shifts for trainee doctors indicate a systemic issue that requires immediate attention.
It is crucial for the government to prioritize the well-being of healthcare professionals and invest in a robust medical infrastructure that can support the evolving needs of the population. The concerns raised by the doctors are valid and should be addressed through meaningful dialogue and collaboration. Striking a balance between increasing medical school admissions and ensuring the quality of healthcare is essential to safeguard the health of the nation.
