Government Expresses "Serious Concern" Over Seoul National University Medical Professors' Collective Strike Decision

"I believe you will stay by the patient's side...
Resident return plan to be smoothly implemented"

The government expressed 'regret' and 'concern' on the 7th regarding the collective strike resolution by professors of Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital.

On the same day, the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated, "The prolonged collective action of residents is increasing the suffering of the public and patients," and added, "The government expresses deep regret and serious concern over the decision by the Emergency Committee of the Seoul National University College of Medicine-Seoul National University Hospital Professors' Association to begin an indefinite full strike starting from the 17th."

On the 30th, outpatient clinics at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, appeared quiet as professors working at Seoul National University Hospital and Severance Hospital, two of the city's major 'Big 5' hospitals, suspended outpatient consultations and surgeries. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

The Ministry of Health and Welfare said, "We believe that the professors of Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital will stay by the patients' side," and urged, "We hope everyone will join forces to allow residents who wish to return to the medical field to do so."

It continued, "The government will steadily implement the previously announced plan for residents' return, closely monitor the progress, and devise all possible measures to protect the lives and health of the public."

The Emergency Committee of Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital Professors (Emergency Committee) resolved to suspend all work except for essential departments such as emergency rooms and intensive care units starting from the 17th, based on the overall faculty meeting held the previous day and survey results from the 3rd to the 6th of this month. The Emergency Committee stated, "The full strike will continue until the government completely cancels all medical service maintenance orders and work commencement orders for all residents, acknowledges responsibility for the worsening of the current situation caused by attempts to deprive residents of their right to self-determination, and takes visible measures."

In response, a Ministry of Health and Welfare official said, "The demand to completely cancel the medical service maintenance orders and work commencement orders is excessive," and added, "The residents should return."

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