SEOUL: Medical professors in South Korea said that they would join protests and reduce practice hours to express solidarity with trainee doctors. Kim Chang-soo, president of the Medical Professors Association of Korea, expressed concerns that the government new rules would detrimentally impact medical education and could lead to the collapse of the healthcare system. He stated that professors would prioritize emergency and critically ill patients, reducing outpatient treatment, and some may even resign.
The trainee doctors have been protesting against the new rules regarding medical school admissions from 2025. While the government argues that the plan is essential to address a shortage of doctors in an aging society, critics argue that improving the working conditions of trainee doctors should be the priority.
The trainee doctors have been holding protest Since February 20. The development took place despite President Yoon Suk Yeol’s commitment to healthcare reforms, including the admissions plan. Initially, the government threatened to revoke the licenses of striking doctors but President Yoon has now shown willingness for a more conciliatory approach, urging the Prime Minister to explore flexible measures and establish a consultative body to engage with medical professionals.
A Gallup poll conducted on March 15 revealed public opinion divided, with 38% approving of the government’s handling of the situation while 49% disapproved, citing concerns over the impact of the strike on healthcare services.
