Prime Minister Jeong convenes relevant ministers over medical sector strike: "Ensure no disruption to essential medical services"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-kyun

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun expressed deep concern on the 7th over the medical community's collective action, stating, "The government must thoroughly prepare to prevent any medical service gaps to ensure public safety."

At a meeting with relevant ministers held at the Government Seoul Office to prepare for the medical community's collective action, Prime Minister Chung instructed, "Implement emergency medical measures without fail to ensure that the public experiences no inconvenience when using medical institutions."

The meeting was convened to prevent any treatment gaps and secure public safety through the establishment of emergency medical systems by each ministry, following the Korean Intern Resident Association's one-day strike on the same day and the Korean Medical Association's announcement of a planned strike on the 14th, after the government announced the 'Medical School Quota Expansion Plan' on the 23rd of last month.

Prime Minister Chung particularly emphasized, "Since emergency rooms and intensive care units have critically ill patients, ensure that essential medical services are not interrupted."

He also stated, "Regarding recent healthcare issues opposed by the medical community, the government is making its best efforts to communicate with the medical sector, led by the Ministry of Health and Welfare as the main department, with an open attitude," and requested, "Rather than resorting to collective action, I ask the medical community to come forward to the dialogue table first."

Prior to this meeting, at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting on the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), Prime Minister Chung urged, "Intern residents should consider the position of patients in hospitals and refrain from collective action even now, resolving issues through dialogue and communication."

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