Jogye Order: "Resident Doctors' Return to Field is a Valuable Contribution to Saving Lives"

Appeal Announcement: "Lives Must Be Saved Through Swift Return"

"Life is the most important value above all. The return of residents to the field is a precious contribution that preserves the value of life."

Amid the collective resignation of residents protesting the government's plan to expand medical school admissions, Jinwoo Sunim, the Chief Executive of the Jogye Order, appealed for the returning of the residents who resigned en masse to the field.

Jogye Order Monk Jinwoo [Photo by Yonhap News]

On the 22nd, through an appeal, Jinwoo Sunim said, "An unprecedented medical vacuum is beginning as a large number of residents submit their resignation letters and refuse to care for patients on site."

The monk also requested the government to listen more closely to the voices from the medical field and to establish policies that everyone can harmonize with. Jinwoo Sunim said, "I hope that you improve the treatment of residents and the overall medical community to establish quality policies where hospitals, doctors, and patients can coexist," and added, "I ask for active dialogue with the residents. I urge a wise decision to ensure no further disadvantages."

He emphasized that "You and I are not separate beings but precious connections supporting each other," and stated, "I pray that the wisdom of coexistence will manifest so that medical workers bearing the weight of life can find some peace of mind." He continued, "Korean Buddhism will also stand with your difficulties and prepare ways to support various programs such as Seon meditation and Temple Stay," promising support.

On the afternoon of the 20th, medical staff are moving at a university hospital in Incheon.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Earlier, over 9,000 residents (interns and residents) submitted resignation letters in protest against the government's expansion of medical school quotas. This accounts for about 71% of all residents. Among those who submitted resignation letters, about 8,000 stopped working at hospitals. On the 22nd, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced that a total of 9,275 residents had submitted resignation letters (as of 10 p.m. on the 21st) at 100 training hospitals nationwide (where 95% of all residents work).