Order to Report Three Days Before Clinic Closure
Suspension for Noncompliance
Gyeongsangnam-do has issued medical treatment and closure reporting orders to the medical community, which has resolved to stage a collective walkout.
The Korean Medical Association has decided to hold a collective walkout on the 18th, demanding the government completely withdraw its plan to increase medical school admissions.
Gyeongsangnam-do announced that, in accordance with the guidelines of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, it sent registered express orders to approximately 1,700 clinics in the province.
It was mandated that medical services must continue even after the planned walkout on the 18th, and any closures must be reported by the 13th, three days in advance (excluding holidays).
The province explained that failure to comply with the medical treatment and closure reporting orders could result in an administrative penalty of a 15-day business suspension.
They added that if the closure rate exceeds 30% on the 18th, on-site inspections will be conducted to verify non-compliance with orders in accordance with the Medical Service Act.
Article 59, Paragraph 2 of the Medical Service Act stipulates that if a medical professional suspends treatment without just cause, or if the operator of a medical institution collectively suspends or closes operations, causing or likely to cause significant disruption to patient care, the mayor, county governor, or district head may order the medical professional or institution operator to resume operations.
Additionally, Gyeongsangnam-do and 18 cities and counties are strengthening the 24-hour emergency medical system and preparing for extended operating hours at provincial Masan Medical Center and local public health centers.
They are providing real-time information on the collective walkout and which hospitals and clinics remain open, and have requested that local pharmacies also extend their hours compared to usual.
Plans are in place to strengthen communication with the medical association to discourage participation in the walkout and maintain medical services.
Park Ildong, Director of Health and Medical Affairs, stated, "We will proactively respond to minimize inconvenience to residents caused by the suspension of medical services at hospitals and clinics in the province, and will ensure that administrative measures in accordance with government policy are carried out without delay."
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