Legislative Conflict Enters Third Month... Increasing Number of Residents Facing Financial Hardship
KMA Provides Living Expense Support to Resigning Residents
"Surviving on Day Labor or Overdraft Accounts"
The conflict between the medical community and the government over the increase in medical school admissions has continued for over three months, causing some residents to suffer financial difficulties due to loss of income.
On the 23rd, the Korean Medical Association (KMA) announced that as of the 21st, out of 13,000 residents who resigned, 1,646 have applied for living expense support from the KMA. Among these residents, 659 have returned to their posts. It is estimated that about 20-30% of all resigned residents are experiencing financial hardship.
Since the inauguration of the new executive team led by President Lim Hyun-taek on the 2nd, the KMA has been providing living expense support to residents facing financial difficulties. If the applicant is a striking resident, they can apply through the resident support dedicated call center (1566-2844) or online, and after identity verification, receive a one-time payment of 1 million KRW directly to their bank account.
The KMA stated, "Many heartbreaking stories have been received through the call center about residents who, due to the government's February order to 'prohibit acceptance of collective resignation letters,' have been unable to secure hospital employment because hospitals did not accept their resignation letters, forcing them to work day jobs or rely on overdraft accounts." Additionally, the KMA is conducting a 'Resident Essay Contest' to gather suggestions on health and medical policy and system improvements from residents. Winners of the contest will receive a prize of 500,000 KRW.
The KMA added, "We plan to support not only residents but also professors who may face difficulties in the future," and "We will actively step forward for our members." Currently, the KMA is providing detailed information to resigned residents via individual text messages and emails. Furthermore, the KMA has sent official letters to city and provincial medical associations and the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences, stating, "The available budget for member protection measures from the strike funds is expected to be fully spent by mid-June," and requested, "This is a time when continuous support from senior doctors is needed. Please join in humanitarian support."
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced plans to minimize personal disadvantages for residents returning to medical practice. However, the policy of imposing administrative license suspensions on residents who do not return remains unchanged.
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