Minister Cho Kyu-hong: "No Room for Reconsideration of Medical School Quotas... Preparing Step-by-Step Measures by Mobilizing All Available Resources"

"No Room for Reconsideration on Increasing Medical School Quotas by 2,000"
"We Urge a Wise Decision"

On the 20th, when the results of the medical school admission quota increase distribution that triggered conflicts between the medical community and the government were released, a medical school in Seoul showed a quiet scene. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

As the collective departure of residents has continued for over a month, the government plans to proceed with suspending the medical licenses of residents who have left their posts starting next week, in accordance with the rules. On the 22nd, Health and Welfare Minister Cho Kyu-hong stated this on SBS Radio's 'Kim Tae-hyun's Political Show,' firmly declaring that "there is no room for reconsideration regarding the increase of 2,000 medical school quotas."

He added, "We will establish procedures to amend academic regulations and change the college entrance examination implementation plan," and said, "We intend to engage in open discussions on all agendas that can sustain and advance our country's medical system."

Regarding concerns about medical service gaps, he said, "Currently, senior residents and medical school professors are filling in," and added, "Professors know better than anyone what would happen if they left the field." He continued, "The government is preparing phased measures according to changes in the situation to prepare for any eventuality. We plan to mobilize all available resources the government has," and urged, "The important thing is for residents to return quickly and for professors not to leave patients' sides. I earnestly ask for a wise decision."

Minister Cho addressed concerns about the quality of university education if the increase of 2,000 medical school quotas becomes a reality, saying, "It is an obligation the government must guarantee," and added, "We plan to secure educational resources and invest accordingly. We will increase the number of national university professors by more than 1,000 and provide additional support." He further stated, "We need to discuss how to ensure the quality of education, but if that is used as a reason to leave patients' sides, it will be difficult for the public to understand."