Severance Hospital Already in Emergency Mode...Surgery Schedule Halved

Pediatric Residents and Other Specialists Suspend Group Medical Services
Responding by Adjusting Surgery Schedules

So-called 'Big 5' hospital residents have declared a collective suspension of medical services in protest against the medical school enrollment increase policy. Severance Hospital, where some residents stopped working a day early, has reportedly already entered an emergency response mode.

According to multiple media reports including Yonhap News on the 19th, residents at Severance Hospital, including 1st to 3rd-year pediatric residents, continue to submit resignation letters. However, it is reported that the hospital is verifying whether they have actually left the hospital. Previously, Dr. A, the head of the pediatrics department at Severance Hospital, publicly submitted a resignation letter. He announced, "On the 19th, we will collectively submit the pediatric residents' resignation letters and begin a strike from 7 a.m."

On the morning of the 18th, medical staff and related personnel are moving in a dedicated space for residents at a hospital in Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Dr. A also expressed, "Even if we go on strike, it seems that no substantial policies will be established for essential medical departments, including pediatrics, which are collapsing," and added, "It is increasingly unbearable to endure criticism that doctors value their own livelihoods over patients' lives."

As residents collectively suspended medical services, Severance Hospital entered an emergency response mode, adjusting surgery schedules. It is reported that disruptions have occurred not only in pediatrics but also in surgeries of other departments.

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's data, as of 6 p.m. on the 16th, a total of 715 residents at 23 hospitals nationwide submitted resignation letters. However, it is reported that no medical institutions have actually accepted these resignation letters. The government previously issued an order to all training hospitals nationwide to 'prohibit acceptance of collective resignation letters' in accordance with the Medical Service Act and specialist training regulations.

The government reiterated its stance on the 18th to strictly respond to doctors' illegal collective actions. Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyu-hong emphasized during a Q&A session at the Government Seoul Office in the afternoon, "In the event of illegal collective actions, the government will fulfill its duty to protect the lives and safety of the people."

However, he also urged, "We have actively reflected the medical community's opinions and prepared a package of four essential medical policies," and requested, "Please come forward to a reasonable dialogue table so that we can refine the policies."