Survey on Closure on the 17th
40% Agree to Participate
Sungkyunkwan Medical School Emergency Committee
"Discussion on Indefinite Closure Begins"
Over 400 professors affiliated with Seoul National University College of Medicine hospitals will participate in a full strike on the 17th. This accounts for nearly 40% of the approximately 1,000 professors.
On the 15th, the Emergency Response Committee of the Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital Professors' Association disclosed the status of strike participation at four affiliated hospitals: Seoul National University Hospital, Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul Metropolitan Boramae Hospital, and Gangnam Center.
According to the committee, a mid-term survey of clinical departments at each hospital revealed that more than 400 professors have so far either suspended or reduced outpatient services, or postponed scheduled surgeries, procedures, and examinations. The committee expects the number of professors joining the strike to increase based on further survey results. About half of the professors participating in the strike have requested support from the committee for rescheduling patient appointments. The committee explained that appointment changes and patient notifications are expected to be completed by the end of the day.
However, as previously stated, emergency, critical care, and treatment for rare, intractable, and severe diseases will be maintained. Professors in these fields have issued statements supporting the strike. According to the committee, approximately 300 professors joined the statement demanding respect for the medical community and the establishment of proper medical policies within about 17 hours.
The committee is demanding the cancellation of administrative sanctions against residents and reasonable measures to normalize the medical crisis.
On the other hand, the government has stated that if practical measures are taken, the strike can be withdrawn. The Emergency Response Committee of Sungkyunkwan University College of Medicine also announced that it has begun discussions on the indefinite strike of professors at its affiliated hospitals: Samsung Seoul Hospital, Kangbuk Samsung Hospital, and Samsung Changwon Hospital.
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