Will The South Korean Government Reach A Truce With Protesting Doctors?

Will the South Korean government reach a truce with protesting doctors?

Medical workers walk at Severance Hospital in Seoul, South Korea, February 21, 2024. REUTERS/Kim Soo-hyeon

Thousands of South Korean doctors have reiterated that they are not backing down even in the face of pressure from the government to stop their walkout and resume their jobs. But it’s especially senior medicals who are compensating for the absence of younger, trainee doctors.

The facts

A few days into the protest, around 300 trainee doctors, out of over 9,000, have returned to work. The government insists that all doctors must resume work by tomorrow or face legal repercussions. However, protesters demand the withdrawal of the government’s plan to increase the number of medical students as a condition for their return.

Health officials are attempting to initiate a dialogue with the striking junior physicians as the deadline approaches, aiming to persuade them to return to work.

The argument

Amidst government plans to increase medical student admissions by 2,000 next year, protesting doctors argue that the hike is excessive. They face potential legal consequences and license suspension if they continue their walkout past the deadline, as advised by the government.

Government officials justify the increase, citing South Korea’s low doctor-to-population ratio and the rising demand for medical care driven by an aging populace. However, the Korean Medical Association (KMA) urges the government to reconsider, emphasizing the need to protect the nation’s esteemed medical system.

Public opinion on the protests is divided. While some question the doctors’ actions, others offer support. Concerns arise over potential patient harm and postponed medical procedures due to the walkouts, prompting calls for government intervention.

Observers speculate on the political motivations behind the government’s actions, expecting formal penalties to be pursued soon. The potential repercussions on both the healthcare system and the protesting doctors remain uncertain.

Experts warn of dire consequences should senior doctors join the strikes, emphasizing the need for a swift resolution to address the doctors’ grievances and ensure proper treatment by the government.