In South Korea, a protest by over 14,000 junior doctors against the government’s plan to increase medical school admissions has escalated into one of the longest medical strikes in history. The government aims to add 2,000 more students to address the low doctor-to-patient ratio. However, the protesters argue that the focus should be on improving working conditions before increasing personnel.
With over 7,700 trainee doctors still on strike, South Korea faces a healthcare crisis, leading to hospital closures and staff shortages. The government’s proposed consultative body to negotiate with the medical community was rejected, as protesters demand the withdrawal of the admission quota hike plan.
Amidst calls for dialogue, the government offered to adjust the admission quota for 2026 and beyond. The medical community is urged to come forward with reasonable proposals for resolution. The situation remains challenging with no immediate end in sight to the health crisis in South Korea.