Seoul National University College of Medicine Professors: "We Cannot Overlook the Public Becoming Victims of Healthcare Policy"

"Outpatient and Surgery Schedules Adjusted, but Hospital Visits for Treatment Still Possible"
"Government Ready to Resume Talks and Withdraw Strike if Visible Changes Occur"

Professors at Seoul National University Hospital declared a strike, demanding the cancellation of administrative sanctions against resident doctors who resigned and urging the government to take proactive measures to resolve the situation.

More than 100 professors, residents, and medical students from Seoul National University College of Medicine are shouting slogans at a rally to resolve a strike held on the morning of the 17th at Yang Yun-seon Hall, Convergence Building, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Choi Tae-won peaceful1@

The Emergency Response Committee of Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital (Seoul National University College of Medicine Emergency Committee) held a rally at 10:30 a.m. on the 17th at Seoul National University College of Medicine, attended by about 100 professors, resident doctors, and medical students, announcing these demands. Kang Hee-kyung, chairperson of the Emergency Committee, stated, "We cannot endure a situation where doctors, as experts, are disregarded, and after the resignation of resident doctors, the professors who have been working tirelessly for three months to maintain the situation can no longer sustain it. We cannot tolerate the public becoming victims of unreasonable medical policies. We will strive to restore the medical delivery system with our own hands and transform into a true top-tier general hospital focusing on treating patients with severe and intractable diseases."

She added, "Although outpatient and surgery schedules have been adjusted, Seoul National University Hospital remains open. Professors are working. Patients can receive treatment if they come to the hospital," and said, "During the time freed up by the adjustment of outpatient and surgery schedules, we will study and contemplate how to create better medical care in the future."

The need to reconsider the increase in medical school admissions from the ground up was also reiterated. Bang Jae-seung, the Emergency Committee’s struggle committee chair, said, "We have done everything we can, but if the government refuses to listen until the end and resident doctors and medical students do not return, I believe there is nothing more we can do as professors of Seoul National University College of Medicine. The medical school quota should be readjusted to an educationally manageable level, and quotas after 2026 should be re-discussed based on objective, evidence-based criteria."

He added, "If the government shows visible changes, we are ready to engage in dialogue with the government and prepared to withdraw the strike."

Seoul National University Hospital began the strike on the 17th. According to hospital officials, as of 10 a.m. that day, only about 50% of the total outpatient services across 20 departments were being conducted compared to normal operations. Surgeries were also significantly reduced. The hospital anticipates that if the strike continues, the overall operating rate of all surgical rooms in the affiliated hospital will drop from an average of 62.7% since the medical crisis began to 33.5%.

The emergency room, intensive care unit, delivery room, and dialysis unit at Seoul National University Hospital are operating normally, and the Children's Hospital, which treats severe pediatric diseases, has relatively fewer professors participating in the strike.