Seoul National University College of Medicine Professors to Close Hospital on the 30th for Symposium

Discussion on the Path Forward for Healthcare in the Republic of Korea

Professors belonging to the Emergency Response Committee of the Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital will stop outpatient care and surgeries for general patients on the 30th to discuss the future of healthcare in Korea. They will reflect on the issue and share opinions from various perspectives, including medical students, residents, professors, and the public.

The Emergency Response Committee of Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital announced on the 28th that they will hold an urgent symposium titled "The Path Forward for Korean Healthcare" on the morning of the 30th at the CheilJedang Hall of Seoul National University Hospital.

Before launching the 'Medical Reform Task Force (TF)' currently being prepared to improve the domestic healthcare system, the committee decided to hold a symposium involving figures from both inside and outside the medical community.

A committee official stated, "Through the symposium, we aim to look back on the medical crisis and create a constructive forum for discussion to develop a healthcare environment that benefits the public, medical professionals, and the government alike."

At the symposium, the committee plans to review and share opinions on the background, onset, and process of this year's medical crisis from the perspectives of medical students, residents, professors, and the public. The event will also include patients and other healthcare service consumers.

The 30th, when the symposium will be held, is the day the committee previously decided to suspend all outpatient care and surgeries for general patients. Professors have individually decided to take a day off on the 30th.

Participation is left to each professor's discretion, so the committee cannot confirm how many will join the work stoppage. Even if they take a day off, care for emergency, severe, and hospitalized patients will continue.

Meanwhile, the committee is soliciting research papers estimating the number of doctors needed in Korea from researchers to reexamine the government's policy on increasing medical school admissions. They are also accepting manuscripts from the general public on "The improved Korean healthcare service that the public and patients desire."