Government Urges Medical Associations to Focus on Immediate Severe COVID-19 Situation, Not 2038 Issue

Resident Strike and Doctor Group Sickout Planned This Week
Government Urges "Return to Medical Sites Amid COVID-19 Crisis"
Possibility of Work Order Initiation Open but Timing Undecided

Residents opposing the government's expansion of medical school quotas are holding a 24-hour silent picket protest on the 23rd at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Central Medical Center in Seoul. Photo by Yoon Dong-ju doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] As frontline residents have begun collective action and the possibility of a doctors' group strike proceeding as scheduled remains high, the government has once again requested their return to medical practice. This comes amid a serious situation where the demand for testing and treatment at the frontline has increased due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

Yoon Tae-ho, head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters' quarantine team, said at a briefing on the 23rd, "This is a critical crisis situation, and in such circumstances, a group strike would endanger patients' lives and safety," adding, "The shortage of medical personnel caused by the residents' group strike is increasingly likely to disrupt the treatment provided by university hospitals responsible for critical care."

He continued, "The medical community's group strike could cause harm to patients and the public, who bear no responsibility or fault," emphasizing, "We ask that you do not forget that the government and the medical community share the same mission of prioritizing the lives and safety of the people."

Earlier, residents composed of interns and residents began sequential collective action starting from the 21st. With the third round of collective action beginning on this day, all residents, including first- and second-year residents, participated. It is reported that over 80% of personnel at major hospitals took part, and the government is also identifying residents participating in collective action at each hospital.

Residents opposing the government's expansion of medical school quotas are holding a 24-hour silent picket protest on the 23rd at Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, Catholic Central Medical Center in Seoul. Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

Kim Heon-ju, Director of Health and Medical Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said, "If the government’s intentions are understood and the group strike is halted, we believe all possibilities remain open and dialogue can continue at any time," but added, "However, the withdrawal of policies as requested by the Korean Medical Association means completely nullifying the decisions made after long deliberations and social consensus, so it is difficult."

The government hinted at the possibility of issuing work commencement orders to residents engaged in collective action but stated that the specific timing of such enforcement has not yet been decided. Director Kim said, "We are monitoring the hospitals' medical situations and considering various contingency plans to prevent disruptions in care," adding, "Since we plan to take measures based on a comprehensive assessment of actual situations, it is difficult to provide specific details about work commencement orders at this time."

Regarding the issues raised by the Korean Medical Association about the regional doctor system, the government requested participation in urgent COVID-19 response efforts, noting that these are not immediate problems. The regional doctor system is a policy where the government plans to annually increase the quota of regional doctors who are required to serve in designated areas for ten years. The Korean Medical Association has criticized this system for infringing on freedom of career choice and for its lack of sustainability.

Son Young-rae, Head of Strategic Planning Division, Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters

"Regional Doctor System Issues Will Arise in 2038 Even Under Worst-Case Scenario"
Government Considers Concerns Over Medical Cost Surge and Quality Decline to Be Excessive

Son Young-rae, head of strategic planning at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters, stated, "Since the increased number of doctors must complete a mandatory service period of 10 years, the significant issues raised by medical organizations will only arise 17 years later, including 6 years of medical education and 10 years of mandatory service, precisely in 2038," emphasizing, "To prevent this, the government is making institutional and financial support efforts such as fostering regional hospitals and introducing regional fee surcharges."

He added, "Even if these measures prove ineffective and side effects occur, from 2038 onward, up to 400 doctors will enter the metropolitan area annually," and said, "Considering that the current number of doctors in the metropolitan area is 58,000, the addition of 400 doctors will not cause the medical cost surge or decline in medical quality as pointed out by the medical community, which we judge to be an excessive concern."

He further stated, "Even assuming the worst-case scenario, these issues will materialize starting in 2038, so it is preferable to stop the ongoing group strike amid the serious COVID-19 situation," and requested, "We have agreed to keep all options open and revisit these issues after the current COVID-19 crisis ends, so we ask for a return to medical practice."

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