Medical Strike Approaching... Medical Associations Begin Steps Toward Collective Action

KMA "Many Demands for Collective Action Including Full-Scale Protest Declaration in Survey"
Association Executive to Decide by Written Resolution at General Assembly, the Highest Decision-Making Body

President Choi Dae-jip of the Korean Medical Association (third from the right) is making a statement at a press conference announcing the results of a survey on countermeasures against the four major evils in healthcare, held on the morning of the 22nd at the Korean Medical Association's temporary Yongsan office in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. From the right: Seong Jong-ho, Director of Policy of the Korean Medical Association; Kim Dae-ha, Director of Public Relations and Spokesperson; President Choi; and Vice President Lee Pil-su.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] The Korean Medical Association (KMA) held an executive board meeting on the 22nd to push for collective action, including a total strike by all members, and decided to request a written resolution from the general assembly. The KMA is an organization comprising all holders of medical licenses in Korea, and the general assembly is its highest decision-making body.

Earlier, on the 13th, the KMA conducted a survey during an emergency board meeting to gather members' opinions on government medical policies. According to the survey results announced that day, negative opinions predominated regarding the pilot project for herbal medicine coverage, the expansion of medical school quotas, the establishment of a national public medical school, and the introduction of telemedicine. The association stated that it currently has about 130,000 members, of whom 26,809 responded to the survey.

In response to the question, "How should we respond if our demands are not accepted?" nearly 43% answered with a declaration of full-scale struggle and nationwide collective action. Others chose phased struggle (29%) or said they would follow the KMA's decision (23%). The association emphasized that about 95% of respondents expressed their willingness to fight to halt the government's policies.

KMA President Choi Dae-jip said at a press conference that day, "Members judged that the four policies would have very negative effects on the medical community and public health," adding, "This result is a legitimate resistance to the government's unilateral policy push and a duty as doctors to protect the lives of the people."

He continued, "This is a warning message to sound the alarm on the government's behavior and a command from members to do everything possible to correct the wrong health care policies," adding, "We will do our utmost to block the 'four evils' policies."

According to the association's bylaws, collective action requires a written resolution asking for approval or disapproval at the general assembly. The executive branch, including President Choi, submitted the agenda to the assembly based on the survey results. Park Jong-hyuk, KMA General Affairs Director, said, "The KMA executive will do its best to carry out the solemn command of the members," adding, "We believe the general assembly will also support this."

The government stated that it has not pushed policies unilaterally but has made efforts to consult and exchange opinions with stakeholders such as the KMA. Kim Kang-lip, First Deputy Director of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (Vice Minister of Health and Welfare), said at a briefing that day, "It is not appropriate to disclose all specific consultation and discussion details to the media," adding, "Active discussion and consultation with the medical community is a very important task." However, he added, "The government must also prepare for all situations."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.