The Korean Medical Association Emergency Committee on COVID-19 Response says "No difference from previous announcement... More disappointment" regarding the President's address

The Emergency Response Committee of the Korean Medical Association harshly criticized President Yoon Seok-yeol's national address on the expansion of medical school quotas, stating, "We could not find any differences from previous government announcements," and added, "It was a statement that caused even greater disappointment given the high expectations."

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Kim Seong-geun, the Media and Public Relations Committee Chair of the Medical Association's Emergency Response Committee, held a regular briefing on the 1st and said, "All citizens and 120,000 doctors were watching the announcement with great expectations, hoping for clues to resolve the current medical policy standoff, but we could not find any differences from previous government announcements in the content of the address."

He continued, "Although it was said that there were many discussions with the medical community regarding the increase in medical school quotas, upon reviewing the details, it was a period during which the opinions of the medical community were not considered at all," he pointed out.

He stated, "Korean healthcare shows the best indicators in most areas according to OECD metrics," and added, "I have said that with a little attention and investment, as well as legal safeguards and support measures for patients and doctors, many of the issues pointed out could be resolved starting now, but it is frustrating that only the increase of 2,000 medical school quotas, which I have said is not the solution, is repeatedly mentioned."

He also said, "The various contents included in the address simply list again the points we have already refuted with various data in previous announcements by the Emergency Response Committee," and added, "Therefore, there is no reason to further rebut."

Chairman Kim urged, "I ask the wise citizens to gather correct opinions so that our government can choose the right path."

In the subsequent Q&A session, Chairman Kim said, "Since the Medical Association has expressed its position several times, there is no need to state it again regarding the content of the address," and added, "Also, we need something to comment on to gather opinions from each medical specialty, but that was not possible."

When asked if there were any behind-the-scenes contacts with the government, ruling party, or opposition parties, he replied, "Behind-the-scenes contacts would presumably be aimed at resolving the issue, but as far as I know, there is currently none of that."

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