Crisis in South Korean Healthcare: Professors Clash with Government over Enrollment Plans

The South Korean medical community is embroiled in a heated dispute with the government over enrollment plans. In response, professors of medicine from universities across the country have rallied together, pledging collective action to protect the rights of intern doctors and medical students.

On March 12th, the Korean Association of Medical Professors announced that they had reached a resolution, condemning the government’s decision to increase the medical school enrollment quota. This move led to the suspension of licenses for approximately 5,000 intern doctors who participated in the ongoing strike against the enrollment increase.

The association issued a statement declaring, “If any harm befalls intern doctors and medical students in the hospitals, we will hold the government accountable for the current situation. We are prepared to take collective action to address this issue.” Additionally, they warned that many professors may resign in protest, which could significantly impact healthcare services and medical education in South Korea.

To alleviate the escalating tension, the association called on the government to engage in unconditional dialogue with the medical community. They emphasized, “If intern doctors and medical students suffer severe consequences, plunging the healthcare and medical education system into turmoil, we, as medical professors, will no longer bear the responsibility.”

This declaration comes amidst increasing friction between the government and medical professors. The government remains determined to implement its plan of increasing medical school enrollment by 2,000 to 3,000 students by 2025, despite strong opposition from intern doctors and medical students.

Previously, numerous professors at medical universities shaved their heads in symbolic protest against the government’s enrollment plan. Additionally, professors at Seoul National University’s College of Medicine stated they would collectively resign next week if the government fails to find a “reasonable breakthrough” to resolve the conflict.

Emergency committees from universities nationwide are scheduled to convene in the evening of March 12th to discuss coping strategies for the situation.

Source: Yonhap