Seoul National University Hospital Sends Text to Over 90 Interns Denying Group Action Leave Permission

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] On the eve of the general strike led by the Korean Medical Association (KMA), Seoul National University Hospital sent a text message to its resident doctors prohibiting collective action, prompting the Korean Intern Resident Association (KIRA) to protest.

According to the medical community on the 13th, Seoul National University Hospital sent a message to interns belonging to the Education and Training Team stating, "On 8/14, collective use of leave and outings by interns for collective action are prohibited." The hospital added, "Please be informed that if you violate the guidelines and leave your workplace, there may be personnel disadvantages including work evaluations." This message was reportedly sent to about 90 interns in the Education and Training Team.

Upon learning of this, KIRA immediately protested. KIRA stated, "Hospitals that restrict participation in collective action or impose disadvantages on individual residents will be posted on the KIRA website and notified to members," and emphasized, "We will thoroughly investigate through the KMA and the National Association of Medical School Professors and take active measures."

The KMA and KIRA plan to hold a nationwide doctors' general strike on the 14th in opposition to government policies such as expanding medical school quotas, establishing public medical schools, including herbal medicine in insurance coverage, and promoting telemedicine.