Medical Association, Previously Refusing Talks, Urges Government: "COVID-19 is Severe... Let's Meet First"

On the 14th, doctors affiliated with the Korean Medical Association held a rally on Yeouidaero in Seoul, urging the government to expand the quota for medical schools./Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The Korean Medical Association (KMA) recently proposed an emergency meeting to the government regarding the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), mainly in the Seoul metropolitan area. The KMA, which has been opposing the government's medical policies such as the expansion of medical school quotas, has so far refused to engage in dialogue with the government.

On the 18th, the KMA sent an official letter to the Ministry of Health and Welfare proposing an emergency meeting involving the Minister of Health and Welfare and the KMA president. In the letter, the KMA stated that it intends to seek solutions ahead of the third collective action by residents scheduled for the 21st and the second nationwide doctors' strike planned for the 26th to 28th.

KMA spokesperson Kim Dae-ha said, "Instead of insisting that the policy implementation (such as expanding medical school quotas) is inevitable, let's keep the possibility open and meet," adding, "Given the serious COVID-19 situation, we hope the government will engage in dialogue with sincerity."

However, the KMA emphasized that it is thoroughly preparing for the planned collective actions. Spokesperson Kim stated, "We are preparing to form the 'Special Committee for the Fight Against the Four Major Evils in the Medical Community,' which will include professors, residents, private practitioners, and employed doctors from all medical sectors."

Meanwhile, residents training at university hospitals, including interns and residents, have announced that they will begin an indefinite work stoppage starting on the 21st. Interns and fourth-year residents will start on the 21st, third-year residents on the 22nd, and first- and second-year residents will stop work on the 23rd. As a result, all residents will cease all duties on the 23rd.

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