Korean Medical Residents Association and Government Policy Conflict: Collective Action Discussion

2024-02-12 21:04:13

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While medical groups are protesting once morest the government’s policy to increase the number of medical schools, general hospital residents discussed whether to take collective action last night.

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The government appealed for restraint in collective action, saying there was no justification.

This is reporter Yoo Seo-young.

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The Korean Medical Residents Association held an extraordinary general meeting of delegates online yesterday evening.

The agenda is a response to the government’s expansion of medical school admissions, and it is said that whether to take collective action, including a strike, was also discussed.

However, the council did not disclose the specific details of the discussion.

As a result of a survey of 10,000 residents at 140 teaching hospitals across the country, 88% responded that they would participate in group action.

Four of the so-called ‘Big Five’, including Seoul National University Hospital, have decided once more to participate in collective action.

The government appealed for restraint.

An official from the Presidential Office said, “There have been discussions regarding medical school quota for a long time since leaving the administration, but the timing has been missed time and time once more, and it has reached a point of no return,” and added, “I think there is no justification for collective action by doctors.”

Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Gyu-hong said in a “Message to Residents” that “We will improve the system in which residents are unable to focus on training due to excessive workload,” and appealed, “Please do not doubt the government’s sincerity in creating a sustainable workplace.” .

Residents are interns and residents who are undergoing training at regarding 220 large general hospitals and university hospitals following obtaining a medical license.

Since they are key personnel who assist with surgery and medical treatment, if they stop working, major disruptions in the medical field are inevitable.

Emergency room doctors have also formed a separate emergency response committee and are preparing for collective action.

[이형민/대한응급의학의사회]

″The government’s policy itself is dividing patients and doctors. (Emergency doctors) become frustrated because they think the future will not get better.”

The Korean Medical Association, which is mainly comprised of medical practitioners, plans to take group action, including rallies, in each of the 16 provincial and provincial medical associations starting this week.

The Seoul Medical Association announced a large-scale rally in front of the President’s Office on the evening of the 15th.

This is Yoo Seo-young from MBC News.

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