South Korean Leader Firm on Stance Against Medical Practitioners’ Strike – Sky Bulletin

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — In a resolute address on Wednesday, the President of South Korea, Yoon Suk Yeol, pledged unwavering action in response to the ongoing strike by junior doctors across the nation. He labeled the strike an “illegal collective action” that jeopradizes public health and threatens the stability of the nation’s governing framework.

The government, led by President Yoon, has initiated the process of revoking the medical licenses of approximately 9,000 medical interns and residents who have been striking, thereby affecting hospital services. The strike, lasting over two weeks, comes as a protest against the government’s plans to significantly increase medical school admissions, a step the government considers vital due to South Korea’s swiftly aging demographic. The protesting doctors, however, argue that such a sudden surge in medical graduates could compromise the quality of medical services.

During the broadcast of a Cabinet meeting, President Yoon remarked, “The doctors’ collective action is a betrayal of their duties undermining liberalism and constitutionalism. We cannot and will not tolerate any illegal actions that infringe on the people’s right to life.”

Following a stance of zero tolerance, Yoon’s government warned the striking doctors of severe consequences, including prosecution and at least three months of license suspension, if they failed to resume work by the Feb. 29 deadline. Despite this ultimatum, the majority of strikers did not return to their duties.

Under South Korean medical law, refusal to heed the order to return to work may lead to imprisonment up to three years, fines up to 30 million won (approximately $22,500), or a suspension of medical licenses for a year. Moreover, those who are sentenced to prison may face revocation of their licenses. Beginning this past Monday, steps were taken by the Health Ministry to suspend the licenses of the striking doctors, including confirmation of absences and notification of impending suspensions.

Nevertheless, it is believed that the ministry will focus on suspending licenses of strike leaders rather than the entire group of 9,000 doctors, as it would be a lengthy and complex administrative endeavor. Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo has also indicated that legal complaints against the strike leaders are anticipated, which could lead to police probes.

The walkout, comprising only 6.5% of South Korea’s doctor workforce, has nonetheless caused disruption in major hospitals, where junior doctors constitute up to 30%-40% of the staff. This has resulted in canceled surgeries and strained medical services. Consequently, President Yoon’s stern approach against the strikes has led to an increase in his approval ratings, with public opinion mostly against the doctors’ strike and supportive of the enrollment plan.

The response by health officials to circumvent the crisis includes public hospitals extending hours and military hospitals opening ERs, ensuring the management of emergency and critical patients remains unaffected. However, substantial concern remains over the potential collapse of medial services if the strike extends to include senior doctors.

Although the Korean Medical Association backs the junior doctors’ stance, it has not as yet opted to join the strikes. Meanwhile, police investigations against five senior KMA officials accused of inciting the strike continue, with one being summoned.