KMA "Following today's mass strike, a second strike is planned... Will speak at the rally"

Seoul National University Professors Continue Strike
Medical Association's General Rally on 18th
Additional Strike Discussions Planned
Intense Confrontation in Medical-Political Conflict Continues

[Image source=Yonhap News]

As the Korean Medical Association (KMA) carries out a mass strike on the 18th and pushes forward with a general rally at Yeouido Park in Seoul, it is expected that the decision on whether to hold a second strike and its schedule will also be made on the same day.

Choi Anna, spokesperson for the KMA, appeared on MBC's Kim Jong-bae's Focus program and, when asked, "If a second strike is decided, when is it expected to take place?" replied, "I will address this at today's rally. We do have plans in place."

Regarding cooperation with professors and residents, she said, "Of course, we are cooperating. Ultimately, the only legal representative body of the medical community, the KMA, must negotiate with the government, so we are receiving and listening to all opinions." On the KMA's public criticism by the residents' group, she stated, "I think this is a process where the desire to quickly end this situation by uniting forces clashes during a sensitive time," adding, "We are trying to properly address the distorted issues that have not been resolved adequately for our juniors."

In response to the recent police revelation that over 1,000 doctors are involved in receiving illegal rebates from pharmaceutical companies, she said, "If doctors have committed crimes, appropriate punishment should be given," but also criticized, "It is truly shameful that the National Police Agency chief thinks that issuing threats like this on the eve of a medical collapse crisis will make people comply."

Spokesperson Choi added, "From the beginning, we have said that emergency patients, critically ill patients, childbirth, and patients who cannot stop receiving treatment will naturally be cared for," assuring that there will be no gaps in essential medical services.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same broadcast, Kim Yoon, a member of the Democratic Party and former professor at Seoul National University College of Medicine, mentioned, "The sudden announcement of increasing medical school admissions by 2,000 students caused backlash from doctors. Because of the hardline policies such as orders to start treatment and license suspensions, resentment and anger have not subsided."

He said, "Although the emergency medical system is operating, in reality, treatment for cancer patients or patients who need surgery (non-emergency but severe cases) is being delayed. Potential harm is accumulating." He added, "Rather than insisting on strict punishment in principle, it is necessary to resolve this issue and establish recurrence prevention measures at a level acceptable to the public."