Court Accepts Medical School Expansion Amid Healthcare Sector Confusion... Government Plans Dual Approach of Firmness and Flexibility

Cancellation of Medical Association and Daejeon Association Press Conference and Statement Release
'Regret over Court Decision, Statement Criticizing Quota Allocation' Scheduled

On the 16th, the Seoul High Court dismissed and rejected the appeal against the 'suspension of execution request for the medical school expansion order' filed by medical students and medical professors, and major medical organizations are delaying their statements. On the morning of the 18th, major medical organizations, initially expecting the court to grant the suspension of execution, appeared bewildered by the unexpected outcome.

A poster opposing the increase in medical school admissions is posted at the entrance of the Korean Medical Association building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Photo by Tae-won Choi peaceful1@

The Korean Medical Association (KMA) has not issued an official statement by 10:30 a.m. on the 17th, the day after the court's decision. KMA President Lim Hyun-taek had previously stated on his personal social media that "the KMA's position will be announced together with medical professors at a press conference tomorrow (the 17th) after analyzing the court ruling." However, according to KMA officials, the press conference scheduled for that morning was canceled, and instead, a joint statement with the National Association of Medical School Professors and the Emergency Committee of Medical School Professors will be released in the afternoon. The statement is expected to express regret over the court's decision and mainly address issues related to the allocation of medical school quotas.

The Korean Intern Resident Association (KIRA) is also likely to refrain from issuing an official statement. According to medical insiders, KIRA had planned to announce its position and hold internal meetings if the court ruled in favor of the suspension, but canceled these plans after the court dismissed and rejected the request. Most residents reportedly have no intention of returning regardless of the court's decision, as they originally demanded the complete cancellation of medical school expansion rather than a mere postponement as a condition for their return.

Buoyed by the court's decision, the government has stated its intention to maintain a conciliatory approach for the time being. On the morning of the 17th, Park Min-su, the 2nd Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, told this publication in a phone interview, "We are prioritizing improvements to resident-related systems such as the 'consecutive duty pilot project' and are also postponing administrative orders against residents, such as license suspensions." Vice Minister Park added, "There is actually nothing more we can do for the residents."

However, the government's overall stance is expected to shift toward a dual approach of both firmness and conciliation. Instead of reconsidering the four essential medical service packages that the medical community demands to be withdrawn along with the re-discussion of medical school expansion, the government plans to actively promote them. On the morning of the 17th, Lee Han-kyung, the 2nd Chief Coordinator of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for Medical Collective Action (Director of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's Disaster and Safety Management Headquarters), stated at a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for Medical Collective Action, "Based on the court's decision, the government will accelerate efforts to implement the four essential medical service reform tasks," adding, "We will promptly resolve conflicts in the medical field and fulfill our mission to reform the medical system."

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