Government: "Resident Doctors in Collective Action Are Immoral, Unjust, Illegal... Return to the Field" (Comprehensive)

Resident Group Decides on Indefinite Strike... Government "Deep Regret"
"Strike Damage Affects Patients, Not Residents"

On the 30th, the Emergency Response Committee of the Korean Intern Resident Association decided to continue the collective strike, and information about the medical staff strike was provided in front of the emergency room at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Kang Jin-hyung aymsdream@

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Regarding the decision by the resident doctors (interns and residents) group to begin an indefinite collective strike (work stoppage) on the 30th, the government stated, "It is difficult to understand the decision of the resident doctors' group, which did not clearly explain the reasons for the indefinite strike," and criticized, "A collective work stoppage is an unjust act that demands sacrifice from patients."

Son Young-rae, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Welfare, expressed regret over the residents' collective strike decision during a briefing at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters. Son said, "The withdrawal of the demand to increase the number of doctors, which the residents claim as their justification, is a medical system issue unrelated to patients," adding, "There is no reason for patients to suffer unfair harm."

He continued, "Enforcing a collective refusal to provide medical care during the COVID-19 crisis, when medical demand is surging, results in greater harm to patients, and if this was intentional, it is immoral," and stated, "The extreme method of refusing treatment even in emergency rooms and intensive care units is an irresponsible act that threatens social safety."

On the 30th, a doctor is holding a solo protest at Gwanghwamun Square in Jongno-gu, Seoul, urging opposition to the government's medical policy, as the Emergency Committee of the Korean Intern Doctors Association decided to continue the collective strike. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

Resident Doctors' Emergency Committee Decides on Indefinite Strike After Overnight Discussions
Government: 'Medical Licenses Are a Social Contract Based on Trust in Protecting Public Health'

Earlier, the Emergency Committee of the Korean Intern Resident Association held meetings from the previous night regarding whether to continue the strike and decided to begin an indefinite work stoppage after a vote on the morning of the 30th. Despite efforts from various parties, including the chairman of the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee and heads of major university hospitals, to mediate and reduce differences, no significant progress was made. The government appeared to take a step back by stating it would not push policies for the time being while engaging in dialogue with the resident doctors' group, but the group has not accepted this.

Spokesperson Son emphasized, "Unlike workers who risk employment and livelihood by striking, residents participating in the collective work stoppage do not suffer any harm in terms of employment, livelihood, or medical licenses," stressing, "It is unfair that only sick and critically ill patients face life-threatening risks." He added, "A medical license is an exclusive right granted based on a social contract founded on the trust that doctors will faithfully protect the health and lives of the public," and stated, "The government will fulfill its national duty under the law to protect the people against collective actions that threaten this."

The government conducted a first on-site investigation on the 26th targeting 20 training hospitals in the metropolitan area regarding the residents' collective strike, and from the 28th to the 31st, a second investigation is underway at 10 hospitals each in metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas. Starting on the 31st, a third investigation will be conducted at 10 training hospitals in non-metropolitan areas. The government plans to file additional complaints if the work resumption orders are not complied with following the on-site investigations.

Son Young-rae, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Welfare

Regarding Professors Saying 'Residents Should Not Suffer'
"Explain Why Collective Actions That Harm Patients Are Illegal"

The government also issued a warning against some medical school professors who have released statements opposing the government's legal actions. Son said, "Some medical school professors have expressed their intention to join the refusal to provide medical care if residents suffer harm," and added, "In a situation where patient fatalities occur due to refusal of medical care, it is necessary to explain why residents should not suffer any harm in terms of employment or status."

He urged residents and fellows to "return to the medical field immediately," emphasizing, "Anything beyond this is an unjust and illegal act that crosses a reasonable line our society can accept." Regarding the possibility of future negotiations with the residents' group, he stated, "We believe resolving this through dialogue and consultation is the most desirable approach, and the door to dialogue is always open."

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