Gyeongnam Province Extends Public Medical Service Hours to Prepare for Collective Strike

Operating a Late-Night Pharmacy with Extended Business Hours

As medical strikes spread, local governments have announced countermeasures to prepare for them.

Gyeongsangnam-do announced on the 16th that it will extend the operating hours of public medical institutions and operate late-night pharmacies in preparation for the medical community's general rally and collective strike on the 18th.

Chairman Kim Jin-bu of the Gyeongnam Provincial Council and about 40 Gyeongnam council members are issuing a statement in front of the provincial council on the 14th, requesting the withdrawal of the medical community's collective strike.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

As of the 14th, out of 148 hospital-level medical institutions in 18 cities and counties in Gyeongnam, 2 have reported closures to Gyeongsangnam-do. Among 1,712 clinics, 200 have announced planned closures.

Gyeongsangnam-do and the 18 cities and counties plan to check the closure status by phone or by having public officials visit the sites directly on the day of the collective strike, the 18th. If the closure rate exceeds 30%, they plan to leave evidence necessary for administrative actions such as suspension of operations through joint on-site verification.

Also, on the 18th, the closing time of public medical institutions such as Masan Medical Center and city/county health centers will be extended from the usual 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The 24-hour operation status of emergency medical institutions will also be inspected. Approximately 190 late-night pharmacies will operate with extended hours by 1 to 3 hours compared to usual.