Han Deok-su: "Medical professionals, please stay by patients and the public... Strikes deny your reason for existence"

"Doctors, a Respected Profession Called 'Seonsaengnim'"
"Leaving the Hospital Denies One's Reason for Existence"

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo [Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo emphasized that the collective action taken by the city and provincial medical associations under the Korea Medical Association (KMA) in opposition to the government's plan to increase medical school admissions "cannot gain public support by holding patients hostage," and urged, "Please stay by the side of the people and patients."

On the afternoon of the 15th, Han posted on his social media, stating, "Leaving hospitals empty while people are ill is an act that denies your very reason for existence."

On the same day, rallies by city and provincial medical associations were held across the country, including Seoul. The Korea Medical Association announced plans to complete the formation of an emergency response committee by the 16th and hold a vote the following day on whether to proceed with a general strike.

Regarding this, Prime Minister Han called it "an unjustified action that goes against the earnest wishes of the people," reiterating, "Increasing medical school admissions is a task that can no longer be postponed for the sake of our people."

He addressed healthcare professionals, saying, "The government is not asking you to make unreasonable sacrifices," and added, "Increasing medical school admissions is a decision for the future of all citizens. The suffering caused by the shortage of medical personnel has already surpassed what can be described as mere 'inconvenience.'"

He continued, "Just as the government's reason for existence is to protect the people, your reason for existence is to protect patients," and urged, "Please stay by the side of patients and the people. Doctors are the most respected profession, called 'teachers' by the public."

Furthermore, he stated, "Increasing medical school admissions is a policy for all our people and part of a larger reform to rationalize the entire medical system," emphasizing, "The government will achieve great progress for all citizens through the four major reform packages starting with the increase in medical school admissions. The public will enjoy high-quality medical services, and healthcare professionals will receive the best education and fair compensation."

Prime Minister Han added, "Even at this moment, there are patients and their families across the country anxiously watching the collective actions of doctors," and pledged, "We will do our utmost to respond so that they can feel reassured as soon as possible. We trust and await the reasonable judgment of our medical community."