Government "Medical School Quota Expansion, etc., Deferred Until COVID-19 Situation Stabilizes" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Yuri] The government announced on the 22nd that it will postpone policies such as expanding medical school quotas and establishing public medical schools until the spread of COVID-19 in the Seoul metropolitan area calms down. This appears to be a step back in consideration of opposition from the medical community. The government plans to keep all possibilities open and proceed with policies through discussions with the medical community.

On the 22nd, Minister of Health and Welfare Park Neung-hoo announced at the Seoul government office in a public address , "Now is the time for the medical community and the government to cooperate more closely to prevent an imminent large-scale spread of COVID-19," adding, "Regarding the expansion of medical school quotas and the establishment of public medical schools, which medical organizations have raised concerns about, we will discuss with the medical community and proceed after the COVID-19 situation in the metropolitan area stabilizes."

Minister Park explained, "We considered that there is neither time nor room to exhaust energy fighting over such issues in this urgent situation," and "especially, we took seriously the proposal from senior medical figures such as heads of public and private university hospitals to temporarily halt conflicts considering the severe COVID-19 situation." The government also stated that it will withhold notifying the Ministry of Education about the medical school quota size, which must be reported by the end of this month, until the situation stabilizes.

The medical community is currently engaging in collective action in opposition to the government's health policies, including expanding medical school quotas and establishing public medical schools.

Meanwhile, Minister Park urged the public, "Please remember that anyone can be infected with COVID-19 anytime and anywhere," and requested, "For the time being, please stay safely at home except for absolutely necessary outings." He added that even if going out is unavoidable, people should strictly follow quarantine rules such as wearing masks and refrain from visiting crowded multi-use facilities.

He stated, "There have been cases of obstructing quarantine measures, such as refusing diagnostic tests, leaving designated quarantine locations without permission, and committing violence against quarantine personnel," and warned, "Acts of noncompliance or obstruction of essential quarantine measures will be dealt with strictly and without tolerance according to the law."

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