Health and Medical Workers' Union: "Collective Refusal of Medical Treatment Must Stop Immediately... Social Dialogue Needed"

As the government continues its tough response to the collective resignation of residents, a health civic group has proposed a social dialogue plan to stop doctors' refusal to provide medical care and to promptly normalize medical services.

The Korean Health and Medical Workers' Union (KHMU) held a press conference on the 7th at the KHMU Hope Center in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, stating, "Due to the collective refusal of doctors to provide medical care, disruptions and delays in treatment are threatening the lives of patients and the public, and health union workers are also suffering," "there is a need for a dialogue body involving various stakeholders such as the government, medical professional organizations, consumer groups, labor organizations, and experts."

On the same day, Choi Hee-seon, chairperson of the KHMU, emphasized, "To resolve the crisis in essential, regional, and public healthcare, legal and institutional improvements and budget support must accompany efforts, so a social consensus should be reached before the regular National Assembly session begins in September."

Furthermore, the union announced a large-scale nationwide signature campaign, stating that they cannot allow a medical crisis that harms patients and the public to continue.

Chairperson Choi said, "Starting next week, we will launch a broad civic and national signature campaign together with civic groups to urge the prompt normalization of medical services," adding, "We will gather the voices of the people through signature campaigns both online and on the streets." She also stated, "Based on the nationwide signature campaign, we will expand practical actions such as press conferences and candlelight rallies."

Meanwhile, regarding the 22nd National Assembly election, the union proposed three major tasks: △restructuring the Republic of Korea's medical system and strengthening public healthcare △restructuring the health and medical workers' union system △establishing a national disaster emergency medical system. The policies include △introducing a regional doctor system △establishing public medical schools △controlling indemnity insurance and non-reimbursable medical treatments △and implementing a quota system for private practice openings.