Prime Minister Chung: "If the Korean Medical Association insists on strike, public anxiety will rise... Discuss medical policy with an open attitude"

Prime Minister Jeong Sye-gyun is delivering opening remarks during a meeting with Choe Dae-jip, President of the Korean Medical Association, at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 24th. Earlier, the Medical Association announced a second general strike for three days starting from the 26th, demanding the government withdraw its policy to increase medical school quotas. Photo by Kim Hyun-min kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun met with Choi Dae-jip, president of the Korean Medical Association, at the government Seoul office conference room on the 24th and said, "If the Medical Association proceeds with a collective strike, patients will be fearful and the public will be anxious," adding, "We will seriously discuss healthcare policy issues with the medical community in an open manner."

Prime Minister Chung said, "It has been seven months since we started fighting the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), and looking back, our response efforts have been internationally recognized to the extent that the term K-quarantine is no longer unfamiliar," and evaluated, "This was possible thanks to the dedication and sacrifice of medical staff, and the public's patience and active cooperation."

He continued, "However, recently, simultaneous COVID-19 cluster infections have occurred mainly in the metropolitan area, and the sparks are spreading nationwide, putting the quarantine front line at its greatest crisis," and mentioned, "I am concerned that the hard-earned achievements and reputation so far may collapse in an instant."

He added, "The fatigue of frontline medical staff fighting COVID-19 will also increase."

Prime Minister Chung emphasized, "Although the situation is difficult, the government wants to overcome this crisis by joining forces with medical professionals," and said, "What the public wants is not a confrontation between the government and the medical community, but a united effort to overcome the current crisis and wisely resolve healthcare issues."

He also urged, "As we had a long and sincere dialogue with the Korean Intern Resident Association yesterday and confirmed our willingness to engage in genuine talks, I hope today's conversation will be an opportunity for the government and the medical community to unite their intentions."

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