A Heartfelt Appeal to Doctors Engaging in Collective Action
"Patients Are at the Center of All Healthcare Policies"
Amid collective actions by doctors submitting mass resignations in protest against the government's plan to increase medical school admissions, on the 19th, the Korea Lung Cancer Patients Association urged doctors to "show tolerance toward the society they serve as a group with the highest intellect and honor."
On this day, Lee Geon-ju, president of the Korea Lung Cancer Patients Association, appeared on the YouTube channel 'Lung Cancer Patients TV' and opened by saying, "I came here to speak to those involved regarding the current issue of medical school enrollment."
He stated, "All healthcare policies must be patient-centered. It is truly unpleasant to see the government, the Medical Association, and related organizations raising their voices in opposition to each other," adding, "Patients are being neglected while each side only asserts their own position, engaging in extreme conflicts, which is truly disgraceful to witness."
Lee Geon-ju, President of the Korean Lung Cancer Patients Association. [Image source=YouTube channel 'Lung Cancer Patients TV']
President Lee is currently in the terminal stage of lung cancer and is waiting for hospice admission after discontinuing treatment. He revealed a photo showing cancer cells spread throughout his body and said, "I was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in 2016 and have undergone 124 chemotherapy sessions so far." He continued, "In November last year, I was told, 'There are no more drugs left to use,' and I stopped treatment. I have been diagnosed with about three months left to live and am waiting for hospice admission."
He addressed the government, saying, "The public also feels the shortage of doctors. However, education is a long-term plan. There is great public concern about the sudden increase in medical school admissions." He added, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare claims sufficient preparation has been made, but how can universities believe that medical education will be complete if the number of medical school admissions is suddenly increased by more than half?" He expressed concern, saying, "Unprepared increases will inevitably lower the quality of doctors."
He also spoke to medical organizations, saying, "Having operated patient groups, I fully understand the difficulties of the Medical Association and am well aware of the challenges in the medical field," but added, "However, patients are still waiting for improvements in treatment environments and consideration from doctors."
To residents, he appealed, "Powerless patients are waiting for your care today as well," urging, "Especially in difficult circumstances, please uphold the Geneva Declaration, which states 'I will prioritize the health and life of my patients above all else.'"
Finally, he addressed President Yoon Suk-yeol, saying, "I support your ambitious national governance and healthcare policies," and added, "The medical environment and conditions in the field have improved significantly compared to before. However, there is still a lack of meticulous consideration for powerless patients." He concluded, "I hope you will formulate and implement policies from the patients' perspective by listening to their opinions."
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