Seoul National University Medical School Professors' Committee: "Collective Action if Government Has No Solution"

"Formation of Dialogue Consultative Body... One-Year Postponement of Increase"

Following the 'collective resignation of residents,' professors at Seoul National University College of Medicine, who have announced the possibility of collective resignation, are increasing pressure by urging the government to resolve the situation.

The Emergency Response Committee of the Seoul National University College of Medicine Professors' Association held a press conference at 11 a.m. on the 12th at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, stating, "We propose to commission a credible and verified third-party institution overseas to analyze Korea's health care indicators and decide on increasing the number of doctors one year later based on this analysis."

Medical staff are talking at Seoul National University Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 12th, when professors of Seoul National University College of Medicine decided to resign en masse. Photo by Jinhyung Kang aymsdream@

On the same day, Bang Jae-seung, chairman of the Emergency Response Committee of the Seoul National University College of Medicine Professors' Association, said, "At the general meeting of the Seoul National University College of Medicine professors on the 11th, 87% of the professors resolved to take collective action," adding, "If the government does not show a proactive attitude to present a solution by the 18th, we will have no choice but to take collective action starting from the 19th."

He also demanded that the government and the Korean Medical Association agree to form a dialogue consultative body. Chairman Bang said, "The problem has been that only the government and the Korean Medical Association have participated at the negotiation table," and proposed, "A dialogue consultative body including the government, the Korean Medical Association, ruling and opposition parties, and the public should be formed."

He further requested that medical students and residents return to work in full when the government and the Korean Medical Association agree to form the consultative body.

Finally, the Emergency Response Committee suggested a one-year postponement of increasing medical school admissions. Chairman Bang explained, "We propose to be properly evaluated by a credible external institution," and added, "If consistent results come out from the research, the government and the Korean Medical Association should follow them."

Meanwhile, at 8:30 p.m. on the same day, 15 universities including Seoul National University College of Medicine are scheduled to discuss collective action.