Professors from National and Public Universities Nationwide Urge Government to Adjust Scale of '2000 Medical School Expansion'

"Must Be Based on Objective Data"

The joint chairpersons of the National Federation of Professors' Associations of Public Universities (Gukgyoryeon) expressed the position that the government should adjust its principle of 'increasing medical school quotas by 2,000 students.'

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo attended a discussion on current issues related to medical reform held at Seoul National University College of Medicine in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 26th.
[Photo by Kim Hyun-min]

On the 29th, Gukgyoryeon issued an urgent statement saying, "The scale of medical school quota increases should be re-evaluated within an appropriate range based on more objective data and scientific evidence, with the participation of various stakeholders," and added, "If the government sanctifies the principle of increasing quotas by 2,000 students, not only will dialogue with the medical community become impossible, but the increase in medical school quotas will rather drive Korean society in a negative direction."

They further proposed, "The government should set 2,000 as a 'tentative maximum number' for the increase and clarify that adjustments can be made depending on the preparedness of educational institutions, and negotiate accordingly."

They also requested the government to withdraw the policy of 'suspending residents' medical licenses.' Gukgyoryeon stated, "The government must make active efforts to bring professors and residents, who play a central role in medical education and treatment, back to the negotiation table," and added, "The withdrawal of the suspension of residents' licenses should be the starting point of such efforts."

Additionally, they argued, "Please reasonably predict the impact of increasing medical school quotas on science and engineering education and education overall, as well as on college admissions and private education, and consider these factors when deciding the number of increases," and "If necessary, separate consultative bodies related to medical affairs and other consultative bodies should be established."