Seoul National University Emergency Committee: "We Would Not Have Taken a Sick Leave If the Government Had Not Responded Harshly"

Seoul National University College of Medicine - Seoul National University Hospital Emergency Response Committee Press Conference
"Severe and Rare Disease Treatment Will Proceed Without Disruption"

Professors at Seoul National University Hospital, who announced an indefinite strike starting from the 17th, emphasized that if it were not for the government's strong measures such as the 'order to prohibit acceptance of resignation letters,' there would have been no strike. They also assured that treatment for severe and rare diseases would continue without disruption during the strike period.

Kang Hee-kyung, Emergency Measures Committee Chair of the Seoul National University College of Medicine-Seoul National University Hospital Professors' Council, is expressing her position at the Emergency Measures Committee press conference held on the afternoon of the 14th at Yang Yoon-sun Hall, Convergence Building, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

The Emergency Response Committee of Seoul National University College of Medicine and Seoul National University Hospital held a press conference on the afternoon of the 14th at Yang Yun-seon Hall in the Convergence Building of Seoul National University College of Medicine, stating, "First, we sincerely apologize to patients with severe and rare diseases," and added, "We have resolved to go on a full strike as we can no longer endure."

However, regarding the specifics of the strike, they explained, "A full strike means suspending regular outpatient care and surgeries for patients who can receive treatment at other hospitals or clinics or whose treatment can be postponed without significant impact for the time being," and emphasized, "For patients with severe and rare diseases who currently need treatment, care will continue without interruption during the strike period."

The Emergency Response Committee plans to maintain essential medical services such as emergency rooms, intensive care units, delivery rooms, and dialysis rooms for patients with severe and rare diseases even after starting the indefinite strike on the 17th. Treatment for hospitalized patients will also be maintained. Committee Chairperson Kang Hee-kyung explained, "Some say, 'I treat pediatric patients, so I absolutely cannot strike,'" and added, "There are patients whose treatment cannot be changed, and some patients come without knowing the news, so it is unlikely that the clinics will be completely closed."

According to the committee, the number of professors participating in the strike is estimated to be at least around 200. Professor Oh Seung-won (Head of the Committee's Media Team) said, "Combining the requests for appointment changes received from Seoul National University Hospital and Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, about 200 professors have requested changes," and added, "Some professors changed their appointments first, and excluding those who do not open their clinics directly, I think the number of professors requesting appointment changes alone is quite significant." The committee plans to organize and disclose the specific participation rate in the strike later.

Kang Hee-kyung, Chairperson of the Emergency Measures Committee of the Seoul National University College of Medicine-Seoul National University Hospital Faculty Council, is expressing her position at the Emergency Measures Committee press conference held on the afternoon of the 14th at Yang Yoon-sun Hall, Convergence Building, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Jongno-gu, Seoul. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

The committee repeatedly appealed to the government to engage in dialogue, stating that the cause of this strike situation lies with the government. Chairperson Kang said, "Regardless of the profession, basic rights must be respected at a minimum," and asserted, "If there had been no order to prohibit acceptance of resignation letters (for residents), this (strike) issue might not have occurred at least at Seoul National University Hospital," pointing out that the government's strong response led to this extreme decision to strike. He continued, "Right now, the order is for doctors not to accept resignation letters, but next, it might be similar for soldiers and firefighters," and added, "I do not think we should remain silent."

At the same time, the committee urged, "From a long-term perspective, please expedite the formation and operation of a 'permanent medical-government consultative body' where healthcare providers, consumers, and the government can come together to identify and resolve issues," and emphasized, "The results of the consultative body's discussions must be legally guaranteed and accompanied by stable funding for policy implementation."