Future Actions for South Korean Medical Practitioners Amidst License Suspension Risks Due to Protests – Sky Bulletin

In the face of ongoing strikes, the South Korean government is steadfast in its decision to suspend the medical licenses of junior doctors who continue to partake in collective walkouts. The protests, which center around the government’s plans to significantly increase admission quotas for medical schools, have seen participation from about 9,000 of 13,000 medical interns and residents, who have been absent from work for approximately two weeks.

This action has resulted in the cancelation of numerous surgeries and treatments. In response, the government required these junior doctors to return to their duties by Feb. 29 or face the consequences of license suspensions and potential legal actions. The majority failed to meet this ultimatum.

On Monday, confirmation of the absent doctors was made at about 50 hospitals by government officials. The doctors were notified of their pending license suspensions and were given opportunities to present their rebuttals.

The Vice Health Minister, Park Min-soo, has stated that the doctors could be subject to a suspension period of a minimum three months, which could entail further delays in obtaining specialist licenses and future employment difficulties.

There is an anticipated wait of several weeks to finalize the suspension procedures. It is expected that many of the affected doctors might seek legal recourse to challenge their suspensions.

The Korea Medical Association has expressed support for the junior doctors’ strike. It has been reported that senior doctors are considering providing financial aid to the strikers should their licenses be suspended.

More severe repercussions could also befall the protesting doctors. Under South Korea’s medical law, those who disobey government orders to resume work could face prison sentences of up to three years, hefty fines, and license suspensions of up to a year.

Joo Sooho of the Korea Medical Association’s emergency committee stated that the association is prepared to provide legal assistance to any doctors that face police or prosecutorial action.

The strikes have not garnered significant public support, with a survey highlighting that approximately 80% of the population supports the government’s plan to expand school enrollment. Meanwhile, there continue to be mixed public opinions on the justifiability of the doctors’ actions, including their concerns about the medical service quality and a perceived defense of their high-income status.

What is the reason behind the junior doctors’ strike in South Korea?

The junior doctors are striking in protest against the government’s proposal to increase the quota for medical school admissions by two thirds.

What are the potential consequences for the striking doctors?

Striking doctors face a minimum three-month license suspension, possible legal charges, significant delays in becoming licensed specialists, and challenges in securing employment.

Has the strike been effective in getting public support?

No, the general public has largely not supported the strike, with 80% favoring the government’s plan for increasing medical school admissions.

What kind of legal support is the Korea Medical Association providing?

The Korea Medical Association has committed to providing legal assistance to any striking doctors who are summoned by the police or prosecutors.

Can the government suspend the licenses of all 9,000 striking doctors?

It is seen as “impossible” for the government to suspend all the doctors’ licenses. The government is expected to target the leaders of the strike, which could be less than 100 doctors.

The ongoing dispute between South Korean junior doctors and the government over increased admissions to medical schools continues to escalate, with the doctors’ refusal to end their strike leading to severe threats of license suspensions and legal actions. Despite limited public support and the high risk of personal and professional consequences, the protesting doctors are adamant in their stance against what they perceive as harmful to the future quality of medical services. The situation remains contentious, with the medical community deeply divided and the government firm on its position, potentially setting a precedent for future policy disputes in the healthcare sector.