Professors from medical schools nationwide will join the full-scale strike planned by the Korean Medical Association (KMA) on the 18th.
Kim Chang-su, president of the Korean Association of Medical School Professors (KAMSP), a group representing professors from 40 medical schools nationwide, announced on the 12th, "KAMSP has decided to participate in the KMA strike."
President Kim explained that KAMSP has already made a decision regarding participation in the KMA strike, and that the general meeting on that day is intended to share the situation of each university.
However, he stated that although they have decided to participate in the strike, the actual participation may vary depending on the circumstances faced by universities, hospitals, and professors.
He added, "Since the decision to strike is made by each university and each professor, KAMSP does not enforce individual matters."
Following professors from Seoul National University College of Medicine, professors from Yonsei University College of Medicine also announced an 'indefinite' strike on the same day, but President Kim said that KAMSP is 'not yet' discussing an indefinite strike.
When asked whether they are discussing an 'indefinite strike,' he replied, "Not for now," while leaving open the possibility of future discussions.
Professors from Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital will begin an indefinite strike from the 17th, and professors from Yonsei University College of Medicine will start from the 27th. Even during the strike, essential medical services such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, delivery rooms, and dialysis rooms will be maintained.
The KMA will conduct a full-scale strike on the 18th and hold a nationwide doctors' rally in Yeouido, Seoul. The KMA is demanding the government to halt the procedure for increasing medical school admissions for the 2025 academic year.
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