Jung Se-kyun: "Who Does the KMA Serve... Illegal Collective Actions Will Be Severely Punished"

Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun is speaking at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCHQ) meeting on the response to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) held at the Government Seoul Office on the 21st. 2021.2.21 Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun strongly warned the Korea Medical Association (KMA), which mentioned a "full temporary suspension of vaccinations" in protest of the revision of the Medical Service Act, stating, "If the KMA realizes illegal collective actions, the government will not hesitate to exercise strong administrative power," and added, "We will never tolerate illegality, respond firmly, and punish severely."

On the same day, Prime Minister Chung wrote on his social media service (SNS), "Who exactly does the KMA serve? The government will never tolerate collective actions that nullify the dedication of the people," expressing his stance.

Earlier, on the 19th, the KMA issued a statement opposing the discussion of the Medical Service Act revision, which includes canceling medical licenses for doctors sentenced to imprisonment or higher for crimes such as murder and sexual assault. However, the problematic part was the mention of possible collective actions such as a "full temporary suspension of vaccinations" in the statement.

Prime Minister Chung said, "Up to now, K-Quarantine, built through the patience and sacrifice of all citizens, culminates in vaccination," and added, "The third wave is not subsiding, and we are walking on thin ice, not knowing when it might worsen again. It is a time when everyone must unite their efforts for successful vaccination."

Regarding the Medical Service Act revision opposed by the KMA, he criticized, "The KMA is misleading the public by falsely suggesting that medical licenses will be automatically revoked even for minor traffic accidents."

He emphasized, "Under no circumstances can the interests of a specific profession take precedence over the lives and safety of the people," and earnestly urged, "I sincerely ask doctors to fulfill their social responsibility as doctors for the people, not just for their professional group."