South Korea Aims To Take Legal Action Against Protesting Doctors
The South Korean Health Ministry will ensure that trainee doctors are back on duty.
Image Source: Deccan Herald
The South Korean Health Ministry will begin taking legal action against student doctors who have not returned to their jobs. These students ignored the government-issued ultimatum regarding the increase in medical school admissions.
Around 70% of medical staff, including approximately 9000 doctors, have left their jobs since February 20. Hence, it led to surgery and treatment cancellations while putting strain on the hospital’s emergency departments.
The government warned trainee physicians that they may face legal action and penalties. These consequences include suspension of medical licenses, fines, and jail terms if they do not return at the end of February.
Cho Kyoo-hong, the South Korean Health Minister, states that authorities will begin conducting inspections to ensure that student doctors have returned to hospitals. In case they have not, they are authorized to take action as per the law without exceptions. Doctors who have not returned will face penalties affecting their career and future professional paths.
Cho continues to state that the protesting doctors who had returned will be considered less guilty under extenuating circumstances. Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo later commented that the government would suspend the licenses of around 7,000 doctors who had left their posts.
Patients admitted to a major hospital in Seoul commented on the impact that the long-term withdrawal of doctors will have on treatment. They have called for an immediate resolution to the ongoing issue.
Patients stated that after returning, the doctors should offer reassurance and confer with the authorities. Lee Hye-ji, a dialysis patient, feared that she would not receive timely help if her condition deteriorated.
The protesting doctors and the government authorities have not reached a formal agreement. The Korean Medical Association (KMA) held a mass rally on Sunday, backed by thousands of supporters. These protestors defied all official calls for trainee doctors to return to work.
The KMA represents private Korean practitioners in the country. The organization apologized for the disruption caused by the protests. However, the KMA also released a statement saying that the Korean government undertook measures to silence the voices of the elected members of the association.
The student doctors heading the protests stated that the government should focus on increasing their pay and favorable working conditions. It is unnecessary to increase the number of doctors at the moment.
Team Profile
- News Writer
- Alefiyah Badani, hailing from Mumbai and a graduate of 2023, brings with her a background in journalism, enriched by several internships. Eager to hone her craft further, she seeks opportunities that will augment her skill set and refine her abilities in the field.
Latest entries
English5 March 2024South Korea Aims To Take Legal Action Against Protesting Doctors
English3 March 2024Cairo To Resume Gaza Ceasefire Talks On Sunday
English3 March 2024Veteran George Galloway Wins British Parliament Seat With Gaza Agenda
English29 February 2024Pro-Imran Khan Protests In Pakistan Fail To Rattle Newly Elected Parliament
