Gwangju Medical Association Urges New Government to Restore Medical-Government Relations Through Active Dialogue

The Gwangju Medical Association has called on the new government to engage in active dialogue to restore relations between the medical community and the government.

On June 19, the Gwangju Medical Association issued an appeal, stating, "The conflict between the medical community and the government, caused by the irresponsible policy of increasing medical school admissions under the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, has now lasted for over one year and four months." The association added, "Although the president, who was the main person responsible for this situation, has been impeached and a new administration has taken office, residents and medical students, who represent the future of healthcare in Korea, still have not returned to hospitals and schools."

The association emphasized, "The outcry from the medical field, where the classes of 2024 to 2026 are taking courses together in a so-called 'tripling' situation, and where no new specialists are being produced, has reached a point where no one can ignore the crisis and catastrophe any longer. The responsibility for resolving this issue now lies with the new administration."

The association also urged, "The voices and reasonable demands of medical students and residents must be heard, and the Minister and Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, who were the main culprits of the previous medical crisis, should be immediately dismissed and replaced. Only then can active recovery efforts and dialogue begin. After June, it will be too late to turn things back."

Furthermore, the association stated, "In order for Korea's advanced medical system to be passed on to future generations, it is essential to normalize the process of educating students and residents." The association added, "We hope the new government will engage in dialogue with a proactive and responsible attitude to restore relations between the medical community and the government, which were damaged by the mistakes of the previous administration. Recognize that this is the last chance to prevent the collapse of Korea's healthcare system, and make mutual concessions to persuade and heal the wounded residents and students."

Additionally, the association made an earnest appeal to the students and residents who risked everything to resist the flawed policy, saying, "We once again express our respect and admiration for the pain you endured and the convictions you upheld, and we sincerely ask you to come to the table for dialogue."

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