South Korea’s senior doctors plan to join their younger disciples on the picket lines until next week if the government fails to resolve a three-week strike over medical school admissions.
The Korean Association of Medical Professors announced on Tuesday that it would take action if the government follows through on its threat to revoke junior doctors’ medical licenses if they refuse to return to work.
The association urged the government to start “unconditional” talks with young doctors to resolve the issue.
On Monday, professors at Seoul National University Hospital threatened to resign en masse if there is no “reasonable breakthrough” early next week.
Health Minister Cho Gyu-hong said the ultimatum issued by the professor at Seoul Medical College would pose a threat to the health and lives of patients. Zhao called on senior doctors to persuade junior colleagues to return to work.
About 12,000 junior doctors have lost their jobs since February 19 as the government plans to increase the number of medical students from 3,000 to 5,000 by next year to provide adequate health care for South Korea’s rapidly aging population.
Doctors groups say medical schools cannot cope with the proposed growth and doctors need better pay and working conditions.
Critics say these doctors are among the highest-paid professionals in South Korea and worry that an influx of new doctors will erode their income.
The government has opened military hospitals to the public and extended the operating hours of several public hospitals.
Some information for this report comes from the Associated Press, Reuters, and AFP.
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