The Korean Medical Association, representing 140,000 doctors, has approved “collective action” against the government’s plan to increase medical school admissions, citing concerns about the country’s healthcare system. President Lim Hyun-taek vows to fight to rescue the medical system, with plans for a mass rally on June 18. South Korean doctors argue that increasing admissions by 2,000 students will not address the shortage of doctors and could compromise patient care.
The government warns against actions that may jeopardize public safety and damage the reputation of doctors. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo calls the doctors’ collective action illegal and urges for dialogue to reach a resolution. Trainee doctors have already walked off the job, impacting hospital services.
The standoff highlights the tension between government healthcare reform goals and doctors’ concerns about the quality of care. As the situation escalates, both sides must find a way to compromise and reach a solution that ensures the best outcomes for patients and healthcare providers alike.\
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