2024-03-03 04:20:26
The file image taken on May 10, 2023, shows the facade of the South Korean presidential office in central Seoul.
SEOUL, March 3 (Yonhap) — South Korea’s presidential office on Sunday vowed to respond with “zero tolerance” to accusations posted online that some doctors were trying to forcibly mobilize drug sellers for their protest rally against the government’s plan to increase registration fees for medical schools.
The announcement came as some 20,000 doctors from across the country were expected to gather at 2 p.m. later in the day at Yeouido Park in western Seoul for a massive protest rally against the plan. to increase the student enrollment quota in medical schools by 2,000 places, starting next year.
Before the rally, several publications appeared on the Internet denouncing that some doctors were forcing salespeople from pharmaceutical companies to join the rally.
Pharmaceutical company salespeople are often under the influence of doctors, who have the authority to prescribe or change certain medications. One message said: “I am being forcibly mobilized because a doctor I work with has told me he will change my medications if I don’t show up.”
In response to the accusations, the presidential office warned that “any illegal act will be treated with the principle of zero tolerance.”
A presidential official told Yonhap News Agency that they are observing the situation, in real time, regarding the threats to people’s lives and health rights due to the collective action of doctors.
Officials said police have launched a legal review of the allegations, adding that if true, they could constitute unlawful coercion and violations of the Medical Services Act.
Claudia@yna.co.kr
(FIN)
1709458947
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