[Summary] "Please Stop the Strike" Ruling and Opposition Parties Urge Doctors to End Strike

Second Medical Strike Begins on the 26th
Political Circles "Please Stop the Strike Considering the Situation"
Democratic Party "Strike Must Stop for the People"
Opposition "Doctors' Strike Blame on Government"

On the 26th, when the second general strike led by the Korean Medical Association (KMA) was enforced, a fellow doctor was seen picketing at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

[Asia Economy reporters Seunggon Han and intern Yeonju Kim] As the resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues, the medical community launched a large-scale strike starting on the 26th. Politicians unanimously called for the strike to be halted due to the critical timing. The government urged the strike to be stopped by taking a strong stance with work commencement orders and legal measures.

However, ruling and opposition politicians showed mixed reactions in judging the collective action of the medical community. While the ruling party strongly criticized the decision to strike during a time when medical service gaps are a concern, the opposition criticized the government for failing to reach a meaningful agreement at the negotiation table regarding the expansion of medical school quotas, which led to the strike.

Lee Hae-chan, leader of the Democratic Party of Korea, said at the Supreme Council meeting held that morning, "We hope that the medical organizations that have begun refusing treatment will comply with the government's work commencement orders."

Kim Tae-nyeon, floor leader of the Democratic Party, stated, "The government has been patient and has made many efforts," adding, "If the medical leadership forcibly proceeds with collective action for other reasons despite reaching an agreement, we will not stand by," signaling a tough response.

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the reported closure rates of clinics were 6.4% on the 26th, 5.8% on the 27th, and 4.6% on the 28th. The second strike is known to include participation from residents and fellows who have entered an indefinite strike.

Kim Jong-in, emergency committee chairman of the United Future Party, said at the emergency committee and senior lawmakers meeting, "The debate over increasing medical school quotas and establishing public medical centers is becoming a cause of conflict," and criticized, "Please abandon the idea that policies can be enforced solely by power and will."

Joo Ho-young, floor leader of the United Future Party, at the provincial party chairpersons' meeting, said, "There may be dissatisfaction with the policy to the extent of striking, but the most important duty of medical professionals is to ultimately protect the health and lives of the people," adding, "Please consider the public's anxiety and concerns. We ask you to refrain from striking and return to work so that discussions can proceed over time."

However, he also said, "The residents' strike occurred because the government and health authorities unilaterally pushed forward important medical policies such as expanding medical school quotas and establishing public medical schools without consulting the medical community, the stakeholders," and criticized, "There is great responsibility for bringing up medical policies without proper consultation. The government should now properly listen to the medical community and the public."

He continued, "I hope the government will not push forward unilaterally but listen carefully to the opinions of the medical community and experts so that the strike does not last long and the public does not worry," he added.

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party and a physician, wrote on his Facebook, "A total strike by the medical community has been underway since yesterday amid public concerns," and said, "The government has not withdrawn its plan to establish a public medical school, which is expected to be a feast only for the ruling class, and the medical community is also standing firm in response."

Ahn stated, "Even if a medical school is established, it takes 14 years to graduate, complete internships and residencies, and for men to finish military service," and questioned, "Why was a policy that requires such a long time to verify its effectiveness launched right at the threshold of the second wave of COVID-19?"

He then appealed, "Despite this situation, I earnestly ask the medical staff. The government cannot save lives," adding, "Patients place all their hopes on doctors, not the government. The hope placed on medical staff will turn into despair and resentment," urging the strike to stop.

He added, "Please stop the total strike. The most important thing now is to win the hearts of the people," and said, "No matter how poorly the government acts, this is the time to unite efforts in COVID-19 prevention and response and to give it our all."

Meanwhile, President Moon Jae-in stated on the 27th that the collective action of the medical community is causing anxiety and suffering to the public.

At a meeting with Korean church leaders held at the Blue House that day, President Moon said, "In wartime situations, soldiers who were on leave or out go back to the military and take up arms," and criticized, "It is no different from firefighters striking in front of a fire during the largest fire in history."

He added, "The government, on one hand, is having sincere talks with medical schools, but on the other hand, it cannot help but act according to law and principles," warning, "The government does not have many options."

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