Gyeongnam Medical Association: "Medical Crisis Imminent Unless Medical School Quota Increase Is Withdrawn"

The Gyeongsangnam-do Medical Association held a rally in front of the main gate of the provincial government office on the afternoon of the 22nd, once again condemning the government's policy to increase medical school admissions quotas.

The Gyeongsangnam-do Medical Association, including President Kim Minkwan, stated, "First of all, regardless of the reasons, we sincerely apologize to the public suffering various inconveniences as our residents have left the hospitals and those with serious illnesses are facing difficulties."

The Gyeongnam Medical Association is holding a rally in front of the main gate of the Gyeongnam Provincial Government Office, urging the government to withdraw its policy on expanding medical school quotas.
[Photo by Lee Seryeong]

President Kim said, "The medical community has repeatedly expressed concerns, but the government pushed ahead with the policy to expand medical school quotas until now, bringing us to the edge of a cliff," and argued, "If this month passes, the quota is finalized, and we fail to change the minds of residents and medical students, we will face an unprecedented medical crisis."

He added, "It is not too late yet. We still have one week left," and emphasized, "The only way is for the government to show flexibility and win back the residents."

"Only a change in the government's attitude can restore motivation to the residents who have lost their will to work," he added.

The Medical Association asserted, "Even if a knife is at our throats, what is wrong is wrong," and urged, "We must implement a policy real-name system and a policy accountability system to hold politicians accountable for policies forcibly pushed through without the consent of expert organizations."

The Gyeongnam Medical Association is urging the government to withdraw its policy on expanding medical school quotas in front of the main gate of the Gyeongnam Provincial Office.
Photo by Gyeongnam Medical Association

Previously, the Gyeongsangnam-do Medical Association expressed concerns after the government's announcement of the plan to increase medical school quotas, including ▲the activation of private education for medical school entrance exams ▲a sharp increase in health insurance premiums ▲and longer waiting times for consultations or surgeries.

The Association stated, "In our country, the absolute number of doctors for public health is not lacking, but due to a flawed medical system, there is a shortage of doctors in essential medical fields," and demanded, "An increase in medical school quotas without proper consultation or system will not solve issues like shortages in essential medical personnel, concentration in certain specialties, and regional healthcare imbalance. Please reconsider the plan from the beginning."