Medical Associations "Strong Response to Herbal Medicine Coverage, Public Medical School Establishment, and Telemedicine"... Total Strike Also Mentioned

Choi Dae-jip, President of the Korean Medical Association, is speaking at the meeting of medical organization leaders regarding the 2021 medical care benefit cost contract held last month at the Glad Hotel Yeouido in Seoul.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] The Korea Medical Association has decided to take a strong stance in opposition to various medical policies promoted by the government.

The Medical Association announced on the 13th that it reached this consensus during the 10th meeting of the National Metropolitan City and Provincial Association Presidents' Council held in Gyeongju on the 11th. The association labeled the government's policies?including the insurance coverage of traditional Korean herbal medicine prescriptions, the increase of medical school quotas by 4,000, the establishment of public medical schools, and telemedicine?as the government's "Four Major Evil Policies" and decided to respond firmly.

To understand the opinions of all members, a survey will be conducted, and based on the results, the executive branch and the council of delegates will decide on the method of struggle. Depending on the survey results and the government's direction, a general strike is also considered as an option.

Choi Dae-jip, president of the Medical Association, stated, "Medical policies must reflect the opinions of medical experts to truly establish systems for the health of the nation," adding, "The Four Major Evil Policies will collapse the foundation of South Korea's medical system."

Lee Cheol-ho, chairman of the association's council of delegates, said, "If the executive branch asks for opinions regarding the struggle to overcome this difficult issue, we will promptly proceed through a written resolution even before the regular general meeting of delegates." Baek Jin-hyun, chairman of the National Metropolitan City and Provincial Association Presidents' Council, said, "To prevent the Four Major Evils that threaten to ruin healthcare, the medical associations of 16 cities and provinces must unite with the Medical Association as the central point."