Government: "KMA's demand for strike precondition is inappropriate... No change in stance"

Claims for Suspension of Group Strike Without Conditions

On the 16th, the Ministry of Health and Welfare released a statement regarding the three major government demands from the Korea Medical Association (KMA), stating that "it is inappropriate for the KMA to demand policy measures from the government based on the premise of an illegal full-scale strike."

Jeon Byeong-wang, Director General of Health and Medical Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated at a briefing held at the Government Sejong Complex on the morning of the 13th that the collective strike by the Korean Medical Association (KMA) and medical school professors is considered a 'refusal of medical care' prohibited by law, and that strict measures will be taken in response.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Earlier, the KMA announced three major demands to the government: ▲ reconsideration of the medical school quota increase plan ▲ revision and supplementation of key issues in the essential medical policy package ▲ immediate retroactive cancellation of all administrative orders and sanctions related to residents and medical students, and cessation of threats of legal action. They also demanded a response from the government by 11 p.m. that day, stating that if the government accepts these demands, they would put the suspension of the planned collective strike on the 18th to a vote among all members.

In response, the Ministry of Health and Welfare stated, "The government has already explained several times regarding the medical school quota and resident sanctions, and there is no change in the existing position." They further added, "We strongly urge the KMA to unconditionally halt the collective strike planned for the 18th and seek solutions to current issues through sincere dialogue with the government," and explained, "We hope to discuss the development of the medical system with the medical community."

The KMA immediately opposed the government's response and announced their intention to proceed with the strike and rally as planned.