15th Korean Medical Association General Rally "Freedom of Expression Respected"
"Strict Response According to Law and Principles if Threatened"
Park Min-su, the 2nd Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, recently addressed concerns regarding the possibility of collective resignation letters from resident doctors, stating, "We have confirmed that no actual resignations have taken place," and emphasized, "We will respond to ensure that the public does not become anxious due to fake news." Regarding the general rally announced by the Korea Medical Association (KMA) on the 15th, he said, "Legal expressions of opinion must be respected," but added, "If patients' lives and health are threatened, we will respond strictly according to law and principles."
Vice Minister Park made these remarks during a regular briefing of the Central Accident Response Headquarters for doctors' collective actions held at the Government Seoul Office that morning.
Earlier that day, Park Dan, president of the Korean Intern Resident Association, announced via social media (SNS) that he would give up his training and submit his resignation letter on the 20th. This led to interpretations that the resignation of the head of the resident doctors' group might trigger collective action among other residents.
Vice Minister Park stated, "Yesterday, there were reports on SNS about the submission of collective resignation letters by resident doctors. Upon verification, we have found that no actual resignations have occurred, and medical services are being carried out normally," adding, "To prevent the public from becoming anxious due to fake news, the government will verify accurate facts and promptly inform the public."
During the Central Accident Response Headquarters meeting that day, discussions were held on improving resident doctors' working conditions and enhancing their rights. A model to improve the 36-hour continuous work system will be developed within the first half of this year and fully implemented starting in the second half. From March, a dedicated rights protection channel for resident doctors will be established, and support such as legal advice and counseling will be strengthened for residents exposed to verbal abuse and power harassment.
Meanwhile, the KMA held a general rally that day and plans to discuss strategies for the struggle at the emergency committee meeting on the 17th.
Vice Minister Park said, "I understand that this rally will be held during lunch or dinner hours and is expected to take place within a range that does not harm the public," adding, "Expressing opinions legally during non-working hours is a matter of freedom of expression and should be respected."
However, he emphasized that if patients are threatened, strict measures will be taken according to law and principles.
Vice Minister Park stated, "The path to medical reform is difficult, but it is an essential process to prevent situations where children cannot find doctors when they are sick, to avoid missing the golden time due to emergency room rotations, and to solve all these problems that force patients to travel to Seoul for treatment at great time and cost," and urged, "Please offer your support and encouragement."
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