Some Medical Associations in Jeonnam Draw Attention by Engaging in 'Medical Volunteer Service' Instead of Collective Strike

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] On the 14th, while some medical associations in Jeonnam entered a 'collective medical strike,' they attracted attention by choosing to engage in medical volunteer work instead of participating in the strike.

The Gurye-gun Medical Association in Jeonnam Province (President Kim Nakcheon) decided to provide medical volunteer services at the flood damage site in Gurye-gun for three days starting from that day.

They chose medical activities for the health and lives of the residents over the collective strike.

Most doctors belonging to the Gurye-gun Medical Association are either conducting normal medical consultations or volunteering, treating about 300 residents daily.

The flood-affected area has an increased risk of waterborne and foodborne infectious diseases such as typhoid fever, making medical assistance urgently needed.

With over 1,000 flood victims in the Gurye area facing health warning signs, the helping hands that appeared have received gratitude from the local residents.

One resident said, "I have been unable to sleep properly for several days and have been physically and mentally exhausted, but the local doctors coming here to provide treatment gives me great strength," expressing gratitude.

The Suncheon City Medical Association (President Seo Jongok) has also stepped forward for the residents.

Since the 11th, the Suncheon City Medical Association has been conducting night medical volunteer services in Gurye-gun until the 20th.

They rush to the site immediately after work to focus on night consultations, and even on the day of the collective strike, they continue volunteer activities to fill the medical gap in the flood-affected area and help alleviate residents' concerns.

Additionally, Jeonnam National University Hospital has been participating in volunteer work since the previous day.

Meanwhile, following the medical community's volunteer activities, more hospitals across Jeonnam are choosing to provide normal medical services without participating in the collective strike to ensure residents' health and convenience.

A clinic in Yeonggwang said, "Upon hearing about the damage caused by the heavy rain, I returned from vacation with my family and started medical consultations."

Kang Younggu, Director of the Jeonnam Provincial Health and Welfare Bureau, said, "While collective strikes are ongoing nationwide, I thank the medical community for volunteering and providing normal medical services for local residents," adding, "We will do our best to help the flood victims return to their daily lives as soon as possible."