Government "Actively Considering Acceptance of Resident Doctors' Resignation Letters... Actively Accepting Resident Doctors' Demands Except for 'Cancellation of Increase'" (Summary)

"Decision Within a Short Time"

The government announced on the 3rd that it is actively considering accepting the resignation letters of resident doctors.

Jeon Byeong-wang, the 1st Controller of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, stated at the briefing on the doctors' collective action, "Regarding the acceptance of resignation letters, the government is currently discussing the matter by reflecting on meetings with hospital directors and the opinions of resident doctors, and plans to make a decision soon. Among the resident doctors' demands, institutional improvements excluding the 'complete cancellation of the increase in medical school admissions' are being incorporated into policy, and the request for the withdrawal of the order is also under review."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Currently, resident doctors cannot work as physicians at other hospitals because their resignation letters have not been accepted. However, if their resignation letters are accepted in the future, they will be able to be hired as general physicians at hospitals.

Jeon said, "If the order prohibiting the acceptance of resignation letters is withdrawn, hospital directors have said they can persuade resident doctors to return through counseling, so the government is actively considering this." He added, "We have agreed to minimize disadvantages upon their return, and the details will be announced together with the information regarding the acceptance of resignation letters."

Jeon also revealed that among the seven demands presented by the resident doctors' group, institutional improvements excluding the 'complete cancellation of medical school admission increases' are being reflected in policy.

The seven demands previously requested by the Korean Intern Resident Association are ▲ complete cancellation of the essential medical policy package and medical school admission increase plan ▲ establishment of a scientific physician supply and demand forecasting organization ▲ expansion of specialist recruitment at training hospitals ▲ alleviation of legal burdens for unavoidable medical accidents ▲ improvement of resident training environments ▲ full withdrawal of unfair orders targeting residents ▲ complete abolition of work commencement orders.

Jeon stated, "The establishment of an organization for scientific physician supply and demand forecasting is being actively discussed by the Medical Workforce Expert Committee of the Medical Reform Special Committee, focusing on periodic supply and demand systems, adjustment methods, and governance for medical personnel."

He also explained, "Legal measures regarding medical accidents have been drafted in the 'Special Act on Medical Accident Handling,' and in-depth social discussions are ongoing within the Medical Reform Special Committee." Additionally, he noted that efforts are accelerating to improve the "poor resident training environment" and to increase the number of specialists.

He mentioned that internal reviews are also underway regarding the "full withdrawal of unfair orders targeting residents" and the "complete abolition of work commencement orders."

Jeon concluded, "Now is the time for resident doctors to make wise decisions based on their individual intentions," and urged resident doctors who have not yet returned, "Please return to your affiliated hospitals promptly."

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