Government: "Do Not Expect KMA General Strike if Medical Act Amendment Passed" (Update)

"Need for Medical Community Participation in Vaccination... Will Communicate to Avoid Misunderstandings"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] The government has stated that it does not believe the Korean Medical Association, which has threatened to boycott COVID-19 vaccinations if the Medical Service Act amendment is passed, will carry out a general strike.

On the 22nd, Lee Chang-jun, Director of Health and Medical Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said at a press briefing, "The amendment to the Medical Service Act is a matter to be discussed and decided by the National Assembly, so we must follow that process, but we do not believe the medical community will go on a general strike," adding, "It is undesirable for the public to be worried at a time when vaccinations are about to begin."

Lee said, "We are well aware of the medical community's concerns about strengthening license management through the amendment of the Medical Service Act," and added, "We will ensure that misunderstandings or incorrect information are not communicated regarding those concerns, and we will strive to prevent controversies over refusal to participate by the medical community."

He also emphasized the need for cooperation from medical personnel during the vaccination process.

Lee stated, "There is room for private clinics to participate in the vaccination process, and medical staff at vaccination centers are also needed," and added, "We will cooperate to enable the medical community to participate in the vaccination effort."

He further said, "I believe a general strike will not occur solely based on the Legislative and Judiciary Committee's resolution," and added, "After discussions in the committee, we will respond to any situations that may arise in the medical community and make efforts to thoroughly explain and gather opinions on any misunderstandings or mistaken beliefs within the medical community."

Earlier, on the 19th, the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee passed an amendment to the Medical Service Act that allows for the cancellation of a doctor's license if they are sentenced to imprisonment or higher for committing a violent crime.

The amendment, which includes provisions to revoke licenses of doctors who commit violent crimes, was created by merging bills proposed by Democratic Party lawmakers and will be sent to the Legislative and Judiciary Committee on the 25th.

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