Handuksoo: "If residents return to the hospital by the 29th, no responsibility will be held"

Prime Minister Han Issues Final Ultimatum to Resident Doctors' Collective Action
From Today, 'Ultrafine Dust Response Measures' Also Implemented

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is speaking about the medical inconveniences caused by the collective actions of resident doctors at the Cabinet meeting held on the 27th at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo addressed the residents in training who are currently engaged in collective action in protest against the government's plan to increase medical school quotas, stating, "If you return to the hospital by the 29th, no responsibility will be imposed," and added, "I hope you will once again reflect on your mission as medical professionals."

In his opening remarks at the Cabinet meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the morning of the 27th, Prime Minister Han said, "As the collective action of the residents continues, the burden on medical sites and the damage to the public are increasing."

He urged, "I earnestly request once again that all residents promptly return to your positions, to the side of the patients," emphasizing, "The increase in medical school quotas is an unavoidable task to revive essential medical care and regional healthcare, which you also empathize with."

He continued, "If this task is avoided now, it will inevitably lead to greater burdens and more severe measures in the future," and explained, "Ultimately, this is also for the doctors who are struggling to protect the lives of the people despite the demanding workload."

Prime Minister Han added, "If there are shortcomings in the government's medical reform, we will fill them through dialogue with you," and said, "I hope you will once again reflect on your mission as medical professionals, with the lives of the people foremost in mind."

The government plans to conduct on-site inspections this week targeting 50 training hospitals ranked 51st to 100th based on the number of residents, to identify those who have left their workplaces. Starting next month, those who have not returned will face license suspension and related legal procedures.

Prime Minister Han also mentioned the Neulbom School program, which is being implemented nationwide with the new school term.

Neulbom School initially targets first graders in over 2,700 elementary schools nationwide, and in the second semester, it will include all first graders in elementary schools. By 2026, any elementary student wishing to participate, regardless of grade, will be able to join.

Prime Minister Han emphasized, "Neulbom School is a policy under the principle that the state will take responsibility for any child who wants to participate, for as long as they want, centered around schools and in cooperation with local communities to care for and nurture children." He added, "Parents can entrust their children with peace of mind without worrying about career interruptions or private education costs, and children can be safely managed both inside and outside school while gaining diverse experiences and growing happily."

Additionally, Prime Minister Han announced that the 'Spring Total Response Plan for Fine Dust' will be implemented starting today.

He said, "March is typically the period with the highest concentration of fine dust throughout the year," and added, "Especially this spring, temperatures are expected to be higher than usual, and atmospheric stagnation is likely to occur more frequently, raising concerns about prolonged high concentrations of fine dust."

He further urged, "Fine dust is an issue that requires a united response from all government ministries, including the Ministry of Environment, as well as local governments," and requested, "Each ministry should minimize fine dust emissions in their respective areas and actively implement measures to protect children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with respiratory diseases."

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