Park Neung-hoo "Actively Considering Postponement of Medical Licensing Practical Exam"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyemin] Park Neung-hoo, Minister of Health and Welfare, stated on the 31st, "We have received requests from medical school deans to postpone the practical exam of the medical licensing examination, and we are actively reviewing it."

Minister Park made this remark while attending the plenary session of the Budget and Accounts Special Committee held at the National Assembly that day, responding to Rep. Lee Jong-bae of the United Future Party's remark, "Please extend the measures starting from tomorrow's exam and engage in more active dialogue."

Rep. Lee proposed ▲a complete halt to discussions on increasing medical school quotas and establishing public medical schools ▲forming a medical community and ruling-opposition consultation body after the end of the COVID-19 pandemic ▲extending the practical exam of the medical licensing examination scheduled for tomorrow. This aligns with the earlier proposal by floor leader Joo Ho-young.

In response, Minister Park explained, "We have already announced a statement with almost the same intent, and when we met with representatives of the Korean Medical Association and resident doctors, we repeatedly expressed our opinions." He added, "They also understood sufficiently and left the meeting, but what happened afterward was unexpected, and we are also taken aback."

Rep. Lee urged, "The prosecution of resident doctors should be withdrawn, and the government must engage in more sincere dialogue," adding, "Please clearly state that you will halt for now so that the medical community can call off the strike and return to work." Minister Park replied, "We have expressed our willingness several times and maintain that stance. The medical community will recognize our sincerity."

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