KMA: "Fair Trade Commission Investigation Is an Unjust Exercise of Public Authority"

Fair Trade Commission Begins On-Site Investigation at Medical Association Hall on the Morning of the 19th

The Korean Medical Association (KMA) expressed regret, stating that the Fair Trade Commission's (FTC) on-site investigation is an unjust exercise of public authority.

On the 19th, the KMA stated in a press release, "We regret that the FTC has initiated an investigation on the 19th on the grounds that the KMA led the medical community's collective strike," adding, "Using public authority to suppress the medical community's autonomous and legitimate expression of opinion is a very unfair measure."

It continued, "The decision to participate in the strike and rallies was a voluntary act by members who intend to resist the government's unilateral administrative increase of medical school quotas, standing up with their conscience and mission as doctors against a flawed medical system," and added, "Our efforts as experts to take the lead in correcting wrongs so that the Republic of Korea does not head toward ruin can never be subject to suppression."

On the afternoon of the 19th, when the Fair Trade Commission began an on-site investigation of the Korean Medical Association regarding the coercion of collective work stoppage, Fair Trade Commission officials, having finished their lunch, headed to the Korean Medical Association building in Yongsan-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

Furthermore, the KMA stated, "In the situation where the FTC's unjust oppression and suppression are being carried out, we will do our utmost to protect our members and medical students from administrative sanctions or other damages."

Earlier, the FTC began an on-site investigation at the KMA headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the morning of the same day, amid suspicions that the KMA practically led the collective strike of private practitioners. This on-site investigation followed the Ministry of Health and Welfare's submission of a 'Business Association Prohibited Acts Report' against the KMA to the FTC on the 17th. The FTC is reportedly judging that there is evidence that the KMA indirectly or directly coerced members to participate in the strike through messages, official documents, and social network service (SNS) posts.