South Korean president slams doctor 'cartel' as strike drags on
The Peninsula
Seoul: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday slammed the cartel of medics who oppose sector reforms, saying the government would not back d...
Seoul: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Monday slammed the "cartel" of medics who oppose sector reforms, saying the government would not back down on plans that have triggered a month-long doctors' strike.
Hospitals have been forced to cancel crucial treatments and surgeries since thousands of trainee doctors stopped working February 20 to protest against proposed training reforms, but the government has not changed tack, instead threatening striking medics with legal action.
Seoul wants to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 starting next year, saying it is essential to combat shortages and treat a fast-ageing society. doctors say it will erode service quality.
"The number 2,000 is not a random figure we came up with. We have thoroughly reviewed relevant statistics and research and reviewed present and future medical situations," Yoon said in a televised national address.
Even this increase will not meet growing demand in areas outside the capital Seoul, he said. Thousands of doctors are facing the suspension of their medical licences, but Yoon urged medics to return to their hospitals before the process was complete.
