Government Issues Collective Action and Strike Ban Orders to KMA Leadership

License suspension possible within 1 year if violated

The government has publicly announced an order prohibiting collective action and incitement of collective action targeting Chairman Im Hyun-taek and other leaders of the Korea Medical Association (KMA). According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, those who violate the order may face license suspension for up to one year under Article 66 of the Medical Service Act.

Im Hyun-taek, President of the Korean Medical Association, is delivering the opening speech at the National Doctors' General Strike held on the afternoon of the 18th of last month at Yeouidaero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 3rd, according to the government and medical circles, the Ministry of Health and Welfare issued a public notice of the order prohibiting collective action and incitement of collective action, effective from that day, to seven KMA leaders under the Medical Service Act. The recipients of the public notice are Chairman Im Hyun-taek, Executive Vice President Kang Dae-sik, Vice President Park Yong-eon, Director General Park Jong-hyuk, Director General and Spokesperson Choi Anna, Planning Director Park Jun-il, and Public Relations Director and Press Director Chae Dong-young.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare explained, "According to the Medical Service Act, medical personnel who refuse treatment, close their clinics, or engage in collective actions without justifiable reasons, or who incite or instruct such actions, must be directly served with the order or sent by registered mail. However, due to refusal to receive or other difficulties in delivery, the order is being publicly announced."

It added, "Collective refusal of treatment or clinic closures by medical institutions or personnel without justifiable reasons constitute illegal acts that cause serious harm to public health," and "We hope that those engaging in or inciting collective actions such as refusal of treatment or clinic closures that undermine public health and patient safety will immediately cease such activities."

Furthermore, it stated, "Those who engage in illegal collective actions or incite or aid such actions in violation of the order may face administrative sanctions or penalties under relevant laws."