Medical Association's General Strike Mentioned... Ministry of Health Regrets "Medical School Quota Issue, Policy Related to Public Life"

On the 26th, the Ministry of Health and Welfare expressed regret over the Korean Medical Association mentioning a general strike at the nationwide doctors' representatives and expanded executive joint meeting.

The Ministry stated, "It is regrettable that the Korean Medical Association mentioned a general strike, putting the lives and health of the people at risk." The Ministry has announced various measures to overcome the crisis in regional and essential medical care and has been conducting discussions with the Korean Medical Association through the medical issues consultative body for 17 sessions with sincerity.

Lee Pil-su, President of the Korean Medical Association, is delivering a greeting at the National Doctors' Representatives and Expanded Executive Joint Meeting held on the 26th at the Korean Medical Association Hall in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

The Ministry emphasized, "Policies such as expanding medical school quotas, alleviating the burden of medical accidents, providing sufficient compensation, improving working conditions, and enhancing the medical delivery system should be complementary and pursued simultaneously." It added, "The issue of expanding medical school quotas is a national policy related to the lives and health of all citizens, including not only the Korean Medical Association but also patients in essential medical fields, medical consumers, and residents in regional medical areas." Furthermore, "The government will continue to listen to public opinion, consult with medical organizations, and collect diverse opinions from medical demanders such as patient groups to steadily promote the expansion of essential medical care and system improvements."

On the same day, the Korean Medical Association held a nationwide doctors' representatives and expanded executive joint meeting at the Korean Medical Association building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul. Lee Pil-su, president of the Korean Medical Association, warned, "If the government unilaterally pushes for an increase in medical school quotas, the medical community will mobilize all its capabilities to escalate the struggle, including holding regional rallies and a nationwide doctors' general rally." He added, "We will immediately conduct a vote among all members on whether to strike and decide on the strike accordingly."