The Korean Medical Association Tightens Its Grip on Hardline Struggle... From Strike Vote to General Rally

Strike Vote for All Members Starting from the 11th
National Doctors' Rally on the 17th
"Strong Resistance if Staffing Increase is Enforced"

The Korean Medical Association (KMA) will conduct a referendum starting on the 11th to decide whether to proceed with a general strike in response to the government's plan to increase the quota for medical school admissions. The KMA will also hold a nationwide rally on the 17th.

The Korean Medical Association held a meeting of the "(Provisional Name) Emergency Special Committee to Prevent the Increase of Medical School Quotas" on the 3rd. Lee Pil-su, President of the KMA (second from the right), and Choi Dae-jip, former President of the KMA (second from the left), along with other KMA officials, are speaking at the meeting.
[Photo by Korean Medical Association]

On the 3rd, the KMA held a meeting of the '(Provisional) Emergency Special Committee to Block the Increase of Medical School Quotas' and announced this decision on the 4th.

Previously, at the 'National Medical Representatives and Expanded Executive Joint Meeting' held on the 26th of last month, the KMA decided to form an emergency special committee under the executive branch to respond to the government's medical school quota policy. Accordingly, at the KMA's 127th Standing Board Meeting, it was resolved to establish the '(Provisional) Emergency Special Committee to Block the Increase of Medical School Quotas.' During the meeting, the committee's name was finalized as the 'Special Committee for Countermeasures by the Medical Community to Prevent the Collapse of Healthcare in the Republic of Korea (Beomdaewi).'

Beomdaewi will begin with an overnight protest in front of the Yongsan Presidential Office this week and, starting on the 11th, conduct a nationwide referendum among all members to gather opinions on a general strike by doctors. On the 17th, a 'National Doctors' General Rally' will be held to take action to block the government's push to expand medical school quotas.

Lee Pil-su, chairman of Beomdaewi (and president of the KMA), stated at the meeting, "Beomdaewi will adopt a policy of strong confrontation," emphasizing, "If the government unilaterally proceeds with the policy to increase medical school quotas, breaking the September 4 Medical Agreement, the 140,000 doctors nationwide, centered around Beomdaewi, will respond strongly."

Meanwhile, the KMA decided to establish three subcommittees under Beomdaewi: the Struggle Subcommittee (chaired by Choi Dae-jip), the Organizational Strengthening Subcommittee (chaired by Choi Un-chang), and the Public Relations Subcommittee (chaired by Baek Hyun-wook). At the same time, additional executive members will be appointed to the Struggle and Organizational Strengthening Subcommittees based on recommendations from affiliated organizations.

The Korean Medical Association held a meeting of the "(Provisional Name) Emergency Special Committee to Prevent the Increase of Medical School Quotas" on the 3rd. Officials from the Medical Association are speaking at the meeting.
[Photo by Korean Medical Association]

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