"To All Residents, We Hope for Your Swift Return"

Joint Appeal Statement by Jeonnam National University Hospital, Chosun University Hospital, and Gwangju Christian Hospital Directors

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] The directors of Jeonnam National University Hospital, Chosun University Hospital, and Gwangju Christian Hospital have jointly urged the residents of each hospital, who recently participated in a strike opposing the government's medical policy, to promptly return to the clinical field.

On the 8th, Lee Sam-yong, director of Jeonnam National University Hospital; Jeong Jong-hoon, director of Chosun University Hospital; and Choi Yong-soo, director of Gwangju Christian Hospital, issued an appeal titled "Urging a Prompt Return to the Clinical Field" in response to the decision by residents of the three hospitals to continue the strike even after the government and the Korean Medical Association reached an agreement.

First, the hospital directors highly praised the residents' determination regarding the government's and National Assembly's concession that led to the agreement on the implementation of the three policy clauses.

The directors stated, "Thanks to your strong will and efforts, the medical community has made significant progress in negotiations with the government. We expect this to serve as a stepping stone for policies that truly reflect the voices of the medical field to be created and implemented."

However, the hospital directors emphasized that there should be no sacrifice of patients during the course of the struggle.

They said, "While pursuing a just cause, we must endure long suffering and never forget the tears and lives of the victims. Although it is very important to revise policies that determine the future, ignoring the outstretched hands of current patients suffering during this process would be the most painful aspect of your struggle."

They continued, "The infectious disease COVID-19 continues unabated in the community, and therefore the fatigue of the medical staff working alongside you is only increasing," referring to the reality of the COVID-19 clinical field.

They also expressed encouragement, saying, "We will continue to monitor the re-examination of policies from the starting point and the implementation of the national examination for medical students."

Finally, they said, "We sincerely hope that the day will come soon when we can overcome COVID-19 together with the residents and smile brightly. Once again, we urge you to promptly return to the clinical field where you are awaited now."

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