South Korea, March 11 (Punjab Khabarnama)- On March 11, 2024, South Korea’s health ministry sent notices to suspend the medical licenses of around 5,000 trainee doctors who have been protesting the government’s proposal to increase medical school admissions. Last week, Deputy Health Minister Jun Byung-wang confirmed the completion of sending notices to 4,944 junior doctors.
The protesting doctors, who left their worksites at 100 teaching hospitals, accounted for 93% of all junior doctors. The government plans to take legal action against those making threats or impeding their colleagues’ return to hospitals. To assist trainee doctors wishing to return, the health ministry will open a hotline, and those receiving notices must submit their opinions on punitive measures by March 25.
Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong stated that lenient measures would be considered if trainee doctors return to work before the administrative procedures to suspend their licenses are completed. The government has deployed 158 military and public health doctors to cover the shortage and allowed nurses to perform some roles of doctors.
Protests last week saw thousands of doctors opposing the government’s proposal, highlighting concerns about insufficient support for the healthcare system. Doctors called for addressing challenges in the healthcare system, including specific field staffing, government remuneration, and infrastructure support for medical education.