Doctors Given Final Warning
South Korea’s government issued a stern ultimatum on Monday to protesting young doctors, instructing them to return to work by the end of February or face severe consequences for their ongoing week-long protest, which has significantly disrupted medical services across major hospitals in the country.
Addressing a Growing Crisis
The nationwide protest, involving two-thirds of residents and intern doctors, stems from opposition to a government proposal to increase medical school admissions in response to the growing shortage of doctors, particularly in the context of South Korea’s rapidly aging population.
Plea for Patients’ Well-being
Expressing concern over the escalating chaos in hospitals and the precarious state of emergency services, Safety Minister Lee Sang-min emphasized the urgency of the situation and urged protesting doctors to prioritize patient care by returning to their duties by February 29.
Consequences of Non-compliance
Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo warned of stringent measures against doctors who continue the protest beyond March 1, including a minimum three-month suspension of their medical licenses and potential legal repercussions.
Mixed Reactions and Political Dynamics
While senior doctors and private practitioners have refrained from joining the protest, rallies have been held urging the government to reconsider its medical school quotas plan. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s support for the initiative has garnered both approval and criticism, with recent polls reflecting a divided public opinion.
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Credit: Jack Kim and Ju-min Park