South Korea's Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong, announced on Monday (Mar&nbsp;4) that authorities would begin inspecting hospitals to take legal action against trainee doctors who have persisted in a walkout against government plans to increase medical school admissions even after the Feb 29 deadline.&nbsp;

Approximately 9,000 resident and intern doctors, constituting around 70 per cent of the country's total doctors, have been on strike since February 20 over increase in medical seats which they said would burden the system without addressing the systemic issues.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-delhis-template-for-big-cat-diplomacy-korean-doctors-take-to-seoul-streets-and-more-696243">The Capitals: Delhi's template for Big Cat diplomacy; Korean doctors take to Seoul streets; and more</a>

Despite warnings from the government about potential administrative and legal penalties, including the suspension of medical licenses and fines or imprisonment, the protesting trainee physicians have not returned to work as of the end of last month.

Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said during a televised briefing on Monday, "From today, we plan to conduct on-site inspections to confirm trainee doctors who have not returned and take action according to the law and principle without exception."

Also watch |&nbsp;South Korea Doctors' Protest: Over 30,000 doctors protest against medical reforms in Seoul

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/south-korea-doctors-protest-over-30000-doctors-protest-against-medical-reforms-in-seoul-696216/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

He added, "Please keep in mind that doctors who have not returned may experience serious problems in their personal career path."

For those doctors who decide to return to their duties, the government stated that it would consider specific circumstances when contemplating any action against them.

Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo further announced that the government would take steps to suspend the medical licenses of approximately 7,000 trainee doctors who had left their jobs to protest.

The protesting doctors have shown little indication of returning to work.&nbsp;

The World Medical Association, a group representing physicians globally, issued a statement on Sunday (March 3) in which they condemned the Korean government's attempt to stifle the voices of doctors.

<h2>What are the doctors demanding?</h2>

The striking doctors argue that the government should address pay and working conditions before attempting to increase the number of physicians.&nbsp;

The government, however, contends that the plan to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 starting in the 2025 academic year is essential in a rapidly ageing society, where the doctor-to-patient ratio remains one of the lowest among developed economies at 2.6 doctors per 1,000 people.

While the plan to boost medical school admissions enjoys public support, with around 76 per cent of respondents in favour, critics accuse President Yoon Suk Yeol's government of insufficient consultation and of picking a fight on this issue ahead of parliamentary elections in April.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea's Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong, announced on Monday (Mar 4) that authorities would begin inspecting hospitals to take legal action against trainee doctors who have persisted in a walkout against government plans to increase medical school admissions even after the Feb 29 deadline.

South Korea's Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong, announced on Monday (Mar 4) that authorities would begin inspecting hospitals to take legal action against trainee doctors who have persisted in a walkout against government plans to increase medical school admissions even after the Feb 29 deadline. Approximately 9,000 resident and intern doctors, constituting around 70 per cent of the country's total doctors, have been on strike since February 20 over increase in medical seats which they said would burden the system without addressing the systemic issues. Also read | The Capitals: Delhi's template for Big Cat diplomacy; Korean doctors take to Seoul streets; and more Despite warnings from the government about potential administrative and legal penalties, including the suspension of medical licenses and fines or imprisonment, the protesting trainee physicians have not returned to work as of the end of last month. Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said during a televised briefing on Monday, "From today, we plan to conduct on-site inspections to confirm trainee doctors who have not returned and take action according to the law and principle without exception." Also watch | South Korea Doctors' Protest: Over 30,000 doctors protest against medical reforms in Seoul × He added, "Please keep in mind that doctors who have not returned may experience serious problems in their personal career path." For those doctors who decide to return to their duties, the government stated that it would consider specific circumstances when contemplating any action against them. Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo further announced that the government would take steps to suspend the medical licenses of approximately 7,000 trainee doctors who had left their jobs to protest. The protesting doctors have shown little indication of returning to work. The World Medical Association, a group representing physicians globally, issued a statement on Sunday (March 3) in which they condemned the Korean government's attempt to stifle the voices of doctors. What are the doctors demanding? The striking doctors argue that the government should address pay and working conditions before attempting to increase the number of physicians. The government, however, contends that the plan to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 starting in the 2025 academic year is essential in a rapidly ageing society, where the doctor-to-patient ratio remains one of the lowest among developed economies at 2.6 doctors per 1,000 people. While the plan to boost medical school admissions enjoys public support, with around 76 per cent of respondents in favour, critics accuse President Yoon Suk Yeol's government of insufficient consultation and of picking a fight on this issue ahead of parliamentary elections in April. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea threatens legal action against doctors protesting medical reforms

South&nbsp;Korean hospitals turned away some patients and delayed surgeries on Tuesday as hundreds of trainee doctors stopped working in a protest against medical training reforms.

Almost 6,500 doctors submitted their resignations -- nearly half the junior workforce -- with 1,600 walking off the job, according to health ministry figures.

But&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol said the government would not back down over the "necessary" reforms, which he described as an essential measure to prepare for caring for the country's fast-ageing population.

The training reforms call for a 65 percent increase in the number of students admitted to medical schools -- an additional 2,000 people a year -- starting from 2025.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alexei-navalnys-death-white-house-to-impose-more-sanctions-on-russia-692119">Alexei Navalny’s death: White House to impose more sanctions on Russia</a>

Seoul has been trying to increase medical school enrolments for 30 years to no avail, he said, adding that the country was at a point where "we can't withstand another failure".

"This increase is far short of necessary numbers to prepare the future of our nation," he said, urging doctors not to "hold people's lives and health hostage" with work stoppages.

The government has ordered the doctors back to work, and police have warned of arrests for instigators of the work stoppages.&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean law limits the ability of medical staff to strike.

Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo told reporters that the walkouts had already resulted in cancellations of surgeries and disruptions in medical services.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yale-university-apologises-for-its-deep-links-with-slavery-692110">Yale University apologises for its deep links with slavery</a>&nbsp;

The government's top priority is to "maintain medical emergency&nbsp;services and treatment for serious cases&nbsp;at major hospitals", he said, to "avoid situations in which patients with serious conditions are prevented from accessing treatment".

The Asan Medical Center in Seoul, one of the biggest general hospitals in the country, told AFP that its emergency room was operating as normal on Tuesday but "some adjustments" were being made.

"Some surgeries have been postponed due to the ongoing&nbsp;situation," the hospital's PR wing said.

<h2>Opposition from doctors&nbsp;</h2>

South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;says it has one of the lowest doctor-to-population ratios among developed countries, and the government is pushing hard to increase the number of physicians.

Doctors have voiced fierce opposition to the government's plan to sharply raise medical school admissions, claiming it would hurt the quality of service.

Proponents of the plan say doctors are mainly concerned reforms could erode their salaries and social status.

The plan is popular with the public, who experts suggest are tired of long wait times at hospitals, with a recent Korean Gallup poll showing over 75 percent of respondents in favour, regardless of political affiliation.

The Korean Medical Association said the government's threats of legal action were akin to a "witch hunt" and&nbsp;claimed the plan would create a "Cuban-style socialist medical system".

The&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;Association of Medical Colleges has called for a significantly lower admissions increase of 11 percent, a demand the government has rejected.

"I have submitted my resignation letter," Park Dan, head of the&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;Interns and Residents Association, wrote Monday on Facebook.

"I am now able to abandon my dream of becoming a specialist in paediatric emergency medicine without any regrets. I have no intention of going back."

South Korean hospitals turned away some patients and delayed surgeries on Tuesday as hundreds of trainee doctors stopped working in a protest against medical training reforms.

South Korean hospitals turned away some patients and delayed surgeries on Tuesday as hundreds of trainee doctors stopped working in a protest against medical training reforms. Almost 6,500 doctors submitted their resignations -- nearly half the junior workforce -- with 1,600 walking off the job, according to health ministry figures. But South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol said the government would not back down over the "necessary" reforms, which he described as an essential measure to prepare for caring for the country's fast-ageing population. The training reforms call for a 65 percent increase in the number of students admitted to medical schools -- an additional 2,000 people a year -- starting from 2025. Also read: Alexei Navalny’s death: White House to impose more sanctions on Russia Seoul has been trying to increase medical school enrolments for 30 years to no avail, he said, adding that the country was at a point where "we can't withstand another failure". "This increase is far short of necessary numbers to prepare the future of our nation," he said, urging doctors not to "hold people's lives and health hostage" with work stoppages. The government has ordered the doctors back to work, and police have warned of arrests for instigators of the work stoppages. South Korean law limits the ability of medical staff to strike. Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo told reporters that the walkouts had already resulted in cancellations of surgeries and disruptions in medical services. Also read: Yale University apologises for its deep links with slavery The government's top priority is to "maintain medical emergency services and treatment for serious cases at major hospitals", he said, to "avoid situations in which patients with serious conditions are prevented from accessing treatment". The Asan Medical Center in Seoul, one of the biggest general hospitals in the country, told AFP that its emergency room was operating as normal on Tuesday but "some adjustments" were being made. "Some surgeries have been postponed due to the ongoing situation," the hospital's PR wing said. Opposition from doctors South Korea says it has one of the lowest doctor-to-population ratios among developed countries, and the government is pushing hard to increase the number of physicians. Doctors have voiced fierce opposition to the government's plan to sharply raise medical school admissions, claiming it would hurt the quality of service. Proponents of the plan say doctors are mainly concerned reforms could erode their salaries and social status. The plan is popular with the public, who experts suggest are tired of long wait times at hospitals, with a recent Korean Gallup poll showing over 75 percent of respondents in favour, regardless of political affiliation. The Korean Medical Association said the government's threats of legal action were akin to a "witch hunt" and claimed the plan would create a "Cuban-style socialist medical system". The Korea Association of Medical Colleges has called for a significantly lower admissions increase of 11 percent, a demand the government has rejected. "I have submitted my resignation letter," Park Dan, head of the Korea Interns and Residents Association, wrote Monday on Facebook. "I am now able to abandon my dream of becoming a specialist in paediatric emergency medicine without any regrets. I have no intention of going back."

South Korean trainee doctors stop work to protest medical reforms

Nepal's prominent surgeon and activist Dr Govinda KC, who was on fast-unto-death for nearly a month demanding reforms in the country's health care and medical education system, ended his 16th hunger strike on Friday after parliament endorsed a controversial medical education bill without necessary amendments sought by him.

The 61-year-old senior orthopaedic surgeon was on a hunger strike for 24 days demanding reforms in the medical sector through amendment to a medical bill, which was tabled by the ruling Nepal Communist Party in parliament.

He ended his hunger strike a day after the upper house of parliament endorsed the controversial National Medical Education Bill without necessary amendments.

While announcing his decision to end the hunger strike, Dr KC said him continuing the strike would disrupt health service delivery and affect the general people.

Nepal's doctors shut hospitals across the country on Friday, demanding that the government accept the demands of Dr KC.

The Nepal Medical Association on Friday called doctors across the country to shut down all the general services except emergency, depriving patients of health services.

The fasting doctor warned that he would stage the 17th hunger strike again if his demands were not fulfilled by the government.

He lashed out at Prime Minister Oli accusing him of betraying not only the Mathema report that recommended reforms in the country's medical education but also the entire 30 million Nepali citizens.

Dr KC said he ended the hunger strike at the request of former President Dr Rambaran Yadav and former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba.

Dr KC told media persons that he would continue his struggle against the policy-level corruption that has gripped the medical education sector.

The surgeon also slammed the government for being insensitive on reforming medical education sector and legalising malpractices for commercial gains.

I will fight until I initiate reform in the medical education sector, he said prior to being transferred to TUTH Intensive Care Unit for further treatment.

The doctor's demands include healthcare services for poor people in remote regions and an end to the commercialisation of medical education.

Nepal's prominent surgeon and activist Dr Govinda KC, who was on fast-unto-death for nearly a month demanding reforms in the country's health care and medical education system, ended his 16th hunger strike on Friday after parliament endorsed a controversial medical education bill without necessary amendments sought by him.

Nepal's prominent surgeon and activist Dr Govinda KC, who was on fast-unto-death for nearly a month demanding reforms in the country's health care and medical education system, ended his 16th hunger strike on Friday after parliament endorsed a controversial medical education bill without necessary amendments sought by him. The 61-year-old senior orthopaedic surgeon was on a hunger strike for 24 days demanding reforms in the medical sector through amendment to a medical bill, which was tabled by the ruling Nepal Communist Party in parliament. He ended his hunger strike a day after the upper house of parliament endorsed the controversial National Medical Education Bill without necessary amendments. While announcing his decision to end the hunger strike, Dr KC said him continuing the strike would disrupt health service delivery and affect the general people. Nepal's doctors shut hospitals across the country on Friday, demanding that the government accept the demands of Dr KC. The Nepal Medical Association on Friday called doctors across the country to shut down all the general services except emergency, depriving patients of health services. The fasting doctor warned that he would stage the 17th hunger strike again if his demands were not fulfilled by the government. He lashed out at Prime Minister Oli accusing him of betraying not only the Mathema report that recommended reforms in the country's medical education but also the entire 30 million Nepali citizens. Dr KC said he ended the hunger strike at the request of former President Dr Rambaran Yadav and former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba. Dr KC told media persons that he would continue his struggle against the policy-level corruption that has gripped the medical education sector. The surgeon also slammed the government for being insensitive on reforming medical education sector and legalising malpractices for commercial gains. I will fight until I initiate reform in the medical education sector, he said prior to being transferred to TUTH Intensive Care Unit for further treatment. The doctor's demands include healthcare services for poor people in remote regions and an end to the commercialisation of medical education.

Nepal's fasting doctor ends 24-day-long hunger strike over medical reforms

medical-reforms

Medical Reforms, News on Medical Reforms, stories on Medical Reforms, articles on Medical Reforms, Medical Reforms stories at Wion, Medical Reforms news, Medical Reforms latest news