Daejeon Association Acting Chair: "KMA Causes Discord Using Residents... Urges Suspension"

"Scientific Evidence Cannot Be Politically Compromised"

The representative of the resident doctors' group criticized the Korea Medical Association (KMA) for causing confusion and discord.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the afternoon of the 21st, Park Dan, chairman of the Emergency Response Committee of the Korean Intern Resident Association (KIRA), shared an interview with Im Jin-su, the KMA Planning Director and a resigned resident doctor, on his personal SNS (social networking service), expressing this view.

In the interview, Director Im stated, "The 2025 academic year quota should be reduced to at least a number that can reasonably be educated."

In response, Chairman Park said, "This statement could be interpreted as residents accepting a partial increase in the 2025 medical school quota," adding, "The KIRA Emergency Response Committee holds the position that political compromise without scientific evidence is unacceptable, and we do not agree with the KMA's claims."

He continued, "KIRA has discussed with resident representatives from each hospital and presented seven demands, maintaining a consistent stance since then," adding, "We have concerns not only about the medical school quota but also about the essential medical policy package and the overall direction of the current government's policies and the healthcare system of the Republic of Korea."

The seven demands from the residents include the complete cancellation of the medical school quota increase plan and the essential medical policy package, as well as the establishment of a scientific physician supply and demand forecasting organization.

Criticism was also directed at KMA President Im Hyun-taek. Park wrote, "President Im is causing confusion and discord in the current situation by putting forward a resigned resident doctor," and "There are also signs that through this director, a new resident group, essentially a puppet organization, was being established. This is judged to be President Im's unilateral move to participate in the ruling and opposition parliamentary council."

He urged, "President Im should stop his dishonest behavior that distorts the situation, incites internal conflict, and worsens the crisis."

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