People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy "KMA Holds Infectious Disease Crisis Hostage... Withdraw Collective Action"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Song Seung-yoon] The People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy criticized the Korean Medical Association's planned collective strike on the 14th, stating that it "ignores the public's demand to strengthen public healthcare in preparation for infectious diseases and is nothing more than holding the infectious disease situation hostage due to vested interests."

In a statement released on the 13th, the People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy said, "Despite the urgent need to strengthen public healthcare following the COVID-19 crisis, the KMA denies the necessity of increasing the number of doctors and opposes the establishment of public medical schools," adding, "We urge the immediate withdrawal of this groundless and unjust collective action plan and hope the KMA will join the voices of civil society calling for the strengthening of public healthcare."

Regarding the KMA's claim that South Korea has many doctors, they pointed out, "As of 2018, the number of doctors per 1,000 people in Korea was 2.4, which is about 70% of the OECD average (3.5)," and criticized, "The KMA's argument that increasing the number of doctors will lead to oversupply due to a declining population is also incorrect." Since Korea is expected to enter a super-aged society with over 20% of its population aged 65 or older by 2025, the increase in the elderly population means more doctors will be needed.

The People's Solidarity for Participatory Democracy emphasized, "The KMA must stop inciting doctors and citizens with claims that are not based on facts, such as that increasing the number of doctors will cause a surge in medical expenses and a decline in the quality of healthcare."

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