Ministry of Health and Welfare: "715 Residents from 23 Hospitals Submitted Resignations... No Actual Acceptance"

It has been identified that 715 residents submitted resignation letters at 23 out of the top 100 training hospitals with the highest number of residents. The government warned that although the resignation letters have not been officially accepted at these hospitals, legal procedures will be followed if they do not return despite the work commencement orders.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

원본보기 아이콘

On the 18th, Cho Kyu-hong, Minister of Health and Welfare, stated during a Q&A session following Prime Minister Han Duck-soo's public address regarding the collective action of doctors at the Government Seoul Office, "As of 6 p.m. on the 16th, it has been identified that 715 residents submitted resignation letters at 23 out of the top 100 training hospitals with the highest number of residents. However, none of the resignation letters have been officially accepted."

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the 23 hospitals are ▲Seoul Asan Medical Center ▲Seoul St. Mary's Hospital ▲Ajou University Hospital ▲Gil Medical Center ▲Gangnam Severance Hospital ▲Korea University Guro Hospital ▲Inha University Hospital ▲Hanyang University Hospital ▲St. Vincent's Hospital ▲Wonkwang University Hospital ▲Haeundae Paik Hospital ▲Incheon St. Mary's Hospital ▲National Medical Center ▲Yeouido St. Mary's Hospital ▲Bucheon St. Mary's Hospital ▲Gangneung Asan Hospital ▲Daejeon St. Mary's Hospital ▲Eunpyeong St. Mary's Hospital ▲Bundang Jesaeng Hospital ▲Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital ▲National Police Hospital ▲Gwangju Christian Hospital ▲Wonkwang University Sanbon Hospital.

Minister Cho said, "If residents actually engage in collective action, the government will take necessary measures according to the obligations granted by law to protect the health and lives of the public," adding, "If they do not work, work commencement orders will be issued."

On the 16th, the government issued work commencement orders to 103 residents who did not report to work at four of these hospitals. Since then, 100 have returned, but the return status of the remaining three has not been confirmed. The government has requested confirmation of non-compliance with the work commencement orders from these three residents.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare has activated an emergency medical response situation room and is seeking emergency medical measures in response to the residents' collective action.

Minister Cho stated, "Emergency medical care is the most important. The Ministry of Health and Welfare and local governments are already operating the emergency medical response situation room, and related ministries, local governments, and public hospitals are establishing emergency medical measures," adding, "Tertiary hospitals will maintain medical functions focusing on critical care, and 400 emergency medical institutions nationwide will thoroughly operate a 24-hour emergency medical system."

He also emphasized, "We will extend the consultation hours of 35 local medical centers, 6 Red Cross hospitals, and public health centers nationwide and significantly expand non-face-to-face medical consultations," and "We will promote financial support to ensure hospital operations are possible even during strikes."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.