Resident Doctors' Association "If One-Sided Policies Are Implemented Without Communication, Collective Actions Such as Strikes Will Be Discussed"

Targeting the Nursing Act and Medical License Revocation Act
Demanding Improvement of Resident Doctors' Treatment and Fee Revisions

The Korean Intern Resident Association announced that it would consider collective actions such as strikes if the Nursing Act and the Medical License Revocation Act (amendments to the Medical Service Act) are pursued. They also demanded health insurance reform to improve the treatment of interns and residents and to expand essential medical services.

On the afternoon of the 2nd, the Korean Intern Resident Association held a "National Press Conference on the Medical Crisis" and conveyed their stance on the current major medical issues, including the Nursing Act, the Medical License Revocation Act, and measures to expand essential medical services.

On the afternoon of the 2nd, Kang Min-gu, president of the Korean Intern Resident Association, is speaking at the "National Press Conference on the Crisis of Medical Collapse" held at the Korean Medical Association Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

First, regarding the Nursing Act, they emphasized the need to improve the treatment of various professions such as nurses, interns and residents, and clinical psychologists, while also demanding better conditions for interns and residents who suffer from grueling 100-hour workweeks. They also raised concerns that if the Nursing Act is enacted, proxy surgeries and proxy prescriptions might be legally approved. Chairman Kang Mingu said, "There is a lot of concern that various medical procedures could be legally performed without doctors in hospitals, clinics, and various community centers in the future," adding, "We hope the political circles will communicate sufficiently to prevent these concerns from becoming reality."

Regarding the Medical License Revocation Act, they opposed it, calling it effectively a "law to prevent doctors' strikes." Chairman Kang appealed, "Doctors must be prepared for license revocation if they do not comply with work commencement orders during strikes," and added, "In the current situation where basic rights as workers are restricted, I worry whether we will be able to effectively raise our voices in the future." He especially noted, "Young doctors will not apply for essential medical specialties in worsening conditions and will create a trend of 'quiet resignation.'"

Furthermore, the association urged the establishment of a specialist-centered inpatient care system and appropriate fee setting to expand essential medical services. Chairman Kang emphasized, "Interns and residents never want to be unilaterally forced into strikes amid sharp conflicts in the political arena," but added, "If all bills and policies are pushed forward unilaterally without communication with the medical community, we have no choice but to discuss nationwide collective actions by interns and residents." He continued, "We want an environment where doctors' expertise is respected and they can work in a supportive environment," and added, "We repeatedly ask for the support of citizens for efforts to build a rational and medical-professional-friendly medical environment."

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