14th, Ministry of Health and Welfare Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters Briefing
"Improving Working Conditions for Young Doctors"
The government emphasized, regarding the medical community's announcement of collective action, "We urge an immediate halt to actions that incite young doctors to fight."
On the 14th, Park Min-su, the 2nd Vice Minister of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated at the 'Central Accident Response Headquarters for Doctors' Collective Action' briefing held at the Government Seoul Office, "Some doctors who have held key positions such as the president of the Medical Association in the past are inciting the fight," expressing this view.
Vice Minister Park requested, "Please also stop spreading false or distorted information," adding, "Excessive remarks by those who should be the face and role models of the medical community damage the honor of the majority of doctors who quietly stand by patients, and force sacrifices on residents who are still in training and working under the most difficult conditions in the field, or engage in actions that could put them at risk. We ask that such behavior be stopped."
He continued, "Please also stop using violent language against public officials or experts who support increasing medical school admissions through personal attacks and insults on social networking services (SNS)," and urged, "Medical professionals and the public should not be swayed by fake news from some doctors and must verify accurate facts."
He emphasized that the working conditions of young doctors will definitely be improved.
Vice Minister Park said, "The main goal of medical reform is to create conditions where young doctors can work in better workplaces," adding, "It aims to ensure they receive fair compensation, be freed from judicial burdens and excessive long working hours, and achieve a work-life balance."
He also requested active participation in dialogue with the government. Vice Minister Park stated, "The government intends to create a forum for discussion with young doctors including fellows, residents, and medical students," and said, "We can discuss any issues." He added, "If there are parts of the policies already announced by the government that need revision, please feel free to express your opinions at any time," and "If the suggestions are better, the government will boldly accept them."
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