On June 18, the Korean government issued a return-to-work order for doctors and medical professors participating in the largest strike in history. Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong stated that about 4% of the 36,000 private clinics that notified the government of their closure took part in the protest. To minimize medical disruptions, the order to return to work was issued at 9 a.m. the same day.
This tough move was against the collective strike action organized by doctors of the Korean Medical Association (KMA). KMA, whose members are private clinic doctors and university hospital doctors, began striking on June 18, marking the largest collective action in history to protest the government’s increase in medical student quotas.
President Yoon Suk Yeol criticized the strike by doctors and professors, calling it regrettable and disappointing. Meanwhile, professors from 40 medical schools also decided to go on a one-day strike on June 18, organized by the Korean Medical Professors Association. Some professors warned of an indefinite strike starting from June 17.
The government plans to strictly handle cases of violations and patient neglect, conducting inspections and collecting evidence to impose administrative sanctions. In case a doctor refuses medical examination and treatment, they may face criminal prosecution. The Korean public opposes the doctors’ strike, and patient organizations ask for immediate cessation of collective action.
Since February, more than 9,000 resident doctors have left hospitals to protest the government’s policy of increasing medical school enrollment quotas. The government believes that increasing targets is necessary to strengthen the medical force for essential sectors. However, medical associations want the decision to increase quotas canceled. This underlying issue is at stake as this conflict continues.
In conclusion, this ongoing strike by doctors and professors in Korea has sparked controversy and opposition from various sectors due to its underlying issues related to healthcare reform and quality education reform policies implemented by
