Ministry of Health and Welfare Announces Work Commencement Order for 13 Residents

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Ministry of Health and Welfare publicly notified an order to commence work to some of the residents engaged in collective action through its website and other means. Following previous delivery of the order via mail, mobile text messages, and home visits, the ministry once again announced the order through a public notice.

On the 1st, the Ministry of Health and Welfare posted a "Public Notice of Order to Commence Work pursuant to Article 59-2 of the Medical Service Act" under the name of the Minister of Health and Welfare on its website.

The recipients include 13 individuals affiliated with Seoul National University Hospital, Severance Hospital, Samsung Seoul Hospital, Dongguk University Ilsan Hospital, Yonsei University Severance Hospital, Konkuk University Hospital, Chungbuk National University Hospital, Chosun University Hospital, Bundang CHA Hospital, Keimyung University Dongsan Hospital, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, and the Catholic Central Medical Center.

The notice stated, "According to Article 59-2 of the Medical Service Act, an order to commence work must be delivered directly or sent by registered mail to medical personnel who have stopped providing medical services without justifiable reasons. However, due to reasons such as closed doors with no one present and inability to verify addresses, delivery by hand or mail is difficult; therefore, in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act, this order is publicly notified." It also listed the names, affiliations, and medical license numbers of the recipients.

It further explained, "The collective suspension of medical services by medical personnel may cause significant harm to the health and lives of the public. Therefore, upon confirming the order to commence work, please return to your affiliated training hospital and resume patient care immediately. Please be aware that refusal to comply with the order without justifiable reasons may result in disciplinary action and criminal prosecution under the Medical Service Act."

Since the 16th of last month, the ministry has delivered the order to commence work via mail, mobile text messages, and through each hospital's training committee, and starting from the 28th, it has been delivering the order by visiting each recipient's home individually.