Government "Firm Response to Collective Medical Refusal... Exploring All Measures"

"Medical Institutions Closed on the 18th Must Report by the 13th"

The government stated on the 10th that "it is the constitutional duty of the government to protect the lives and health of the people" in response to the medical community's resolution for a complete strike, adding that "it has no choice but to respond firmly to collective refusal of medical treatment." Accordingly, the government decided to issue medical treatment orders and strike notification orders to private practitioners.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 10th, Jeon Byeong-wang, Director of the Health and Medical Policy Office at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters (CDSCH) briefing on doctors' collective action, "Following the Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital Emergency Committee's resolution for an indefinite complete strike starting June 17, the Korean Medical Association yesterday announced a collective refusal of medical treatment and a general rally scheduled for June 18," expressing "deep regret and serious concern."

He continued, "Refusal of medical treatment is an absolutely unacceptable act that threatens the right to life of the people and patients," and added, "The government will persuade and communicate until the last moment to prevent the realization of collective refusal of medical treatment, while devising all possible measures to protect the lives and health of the people."

Accordingly, the government decided to issue medical treatment orders and strike notification orders to private practitioners.

Director Jeon explained, "Each city and province will issue medical treatment orders based on Article 59, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act, instructing medical institutions under their jurisdiction to provide medical treatment without any strike on the scheduled date of collective action, June 18," and added, "However, medical institutions intending to strike on that day must report by the 13th."

The government will also begin legal review regarding possible violations of the Fair Trade Act by the Korean Medical Association.

Director Jeon said, "Now is the time to solve problems through dialogue and cooperation with the government rather than collective actions that harm the public," and stated, "The government is attempting to contact the medical community to engage in dialogue anytime and anywhere, regardless of form, and will immediately participate in talks as soon as a response is received."