Prime Minister Jeong: "Collective action by doctors is unacceptable to the public... Return to the field immediately"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is delivering a speech at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on COVID-19 and the 8th Typhoon Bavi response status check meeting held on the 26th at the government Seoul office video conference room. 2020.8.26

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun urged on the 26th, "Collective actions that put patients' lives at risk will never be tolerated by the public," and called on "doctors who have engaged in collective actions to immediately return to the medical field in accordance with the government's order to resume work."

At the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters (CDSCH) meeting for COVID-19 response held at the Government Seoul Office that day, Prime Minister Chung said, "Although an agreement was reached with the Medical Association, I deeply regret the reversal of position following the decision to strike by the Resident Doctors' Association."

The Medical Association began a three-day collective strike from that day. The Resident Doctors' Association continues an indefinite work stoppage. On the same day, the Ministry of Health and Welfare ordered residents and fellows working in the metropolitan area to return to patient care duties.

Prime Minister Chung expressed regret over the medical community's reversal, stating, "The government has extended multiple hands for dialogue to find solutions after stabilizing the current COVID-19 crisis in order to protect the lives and safety of the people."

Regarding the approach of Typhoon No. 8 'Bavi,' Prime Minister Chung said, "The damage caused by the recent heavy rain has not yet been restored, and now with the typhoon coming, concerns are growing," and instructed, "Relevant ministries and local governments must thoroughly prepare in advance to achieve 'zero casualties and minimal property damage.'"

He especially urged, "Please ensure thorough preventive measures to avoid additional damage in areas that were affected by the recent heavy rain."

Prime Minister Chung also emphasized, "Since we are currently in a COVID-19 crisis, careful attention must be paid to temporary removal or restraint at screening clinics and the safety management of temporary housing facilities for disaster victims," and appealed, "I ask the public to refrain from going out and to strictly follow behavioral guidelines to protect their own safety."

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