Park Neung-hoo "Let's Talk Instead of Medical Strike"... Also Promises Support for Residents (Comprehensive)

Minister of Health and Welfare's Public Address

"Increasing Medical School Quotas is Inevitable for the People...
Not Intended to Increase Private Practitioners in the Capital Area"

Minister of Health and Welfare Park Neung-hoo is delivering a statement regarding the medical community's collective strike at the briefing room of the Government Seoul Office Building on the 6th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Park Neung-hoo, Minister of Health and Welfare, requested on the 6th that those who have announced a collective strike in opposition to the expansion of medical school quotas "refrain from collective actions and resolve the issue through dialogue and consultation."

On the morning of the same day, Minister Park issued a public statement titled "A Message to the Public and Medical Professionals Regarding the Medical Community's Collective Strike" at the Government Seoul Office.

◆ "Emergency Rooms and Intensive Care Units Must Be Maintained" = He stated, "In the serious situation of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), it is concerning that some medical organizations are discussing collective strikes or collective actions, as this could jeopardize public safety," adding, "The government is deeply concerned."

The government particularly emphasized that essential medical services such as emergency rooms and intensive care units must be maintained. After saying this, Minister Park raised his voice, saying, "Especially, there must never be any unjust harm to patients who are sick and vulnerable."

Earlier, the government announced on the 23rd of last month that it would increase medical school admissions by 400 students annually for ten years starting from the 2022 academic year.

◆ "Is the Purpose to Increase Private Practitioners in the Capital Area? Absolutely Not" = Minister Park appealed for understanding that the expansion of medical school quotas is an unavoidable decision for the people and the nation. He emphasized, "The main purpose of expanding medical school quotas is to secure doctors where they are needed," and "Contrary to concerns that this will increase the number of private practitioners in Seoul and the metropolitan area, which are already saturated, this is absolutely not the case."

He also promised, "There are many important detailed discussions remaining regarding medical school quotas, such as how to effectively educate and train the increased number of medical personnel, where to assign them, and which medical specialties to cultivate, and we will closely consult on these matters."

The government especially promised to improve the training environment for interns and residents. Minister Park said, "We share the recognition of the need for improvements and support in the training process," and added, "We will actively strive to improve the environment to enable quality education and discuss support measures together."

Minister of Health and Welfare Park Neung-hoo is leaving after delivering a statement regarding the medical community's collective strike at the briefing room of the Government Seoul Office Building on the 6th. Photo by Moon Ho-nam munonam@

◆ "Support for Improving Resident Training Environment... Expecting Wise Judgment" = With the Korean Intern Resident Association scheduled to strike on the 7th and the Korean Medical Association also announcing a collective strike on the 14th, the government plans to prepare for all scenarios to prevent any gaps in medical services. Furthermore, it will respond strictly if threats to public health and safety arise.

Minister Park stated, "The medical profession is a noble vocation that begins with the Hippocratic Oath to 'consider the health and life of patients first,'" and added, "We expect wise judgment from medical professionals."

Meanwhile, a day before the residents' strike, the government will hold a closed-door meeting with the Korean Intern Resident Association (Daehan Jeongui Hyeophoe, Daejeonhyeop) in the afternoon. Key officials from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, including Vice Minister Kim Kang-rip, will attend to listen to the positions of the resident groups.

Minister Park said, "We will continue sincere discussions within the consultative body with the medical community and make every effort to reflect the discussed matters in policy."