Medical Professors: "Yoon, Try Riding an Ambulance Yourself... Stop Unfounded Staff Increases"

"Proper Follow-up Care Not Adequately Provided"

The Korean Association of Medical School Professors (KAMSP) criticized President Yoon Seok-yeol's statement on the 30th that emergency medical services are operating smoothly, saying there is a large gap between his remarks and the reality on the ground.

On the afternoon of the 30th, as concerns grow over the prolonged legislative conflict causing disruptions in emergency rooms, a medical staff member is seen moving in front of the emergency room of a large hospital in downtown Seoul.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 30th, KAMSP stated in a press release, "There have been many talks recently about the emergency medical crisis, but the president says things are running well," and added, "We recommend that he personally ride in a 119 ambulance."

Earlier, during a national briefing and press conference the previous day, President Yoon said regarding medical gaps, "It would be best to visit a medical site yourself. Especially visit regional general hospitals," and added, "Although there are various issues, the emergency medical system is operating smoothly for now, and the government is working hard."

KAMSP pointed out, "Among the 408 emergency medical institutions nationwide, about 100 are training institutions for residents, and the problems there are worsening. Since these institutions mainly handle severe patients, the issue is even bigger," and criticized, "Doctors are leaving, and follow-up care (treatment after emergency room care) is not properly conducted, so saying that all medical services are provided just because emergency rooms are open is a serious distortion of information."

They also expressed concern that increasing medical school quotas would degrade the quality of medical education. KAMSP said, "The disruption in medical education caused by improper quota increases will not end even after enduring the president’s 3-year term," adding, "It will affect our country for 30 years, or even longer."

They continued, "Stopping the baseless quota increase policy now and allowing students and residents to return to their proper places will be the true start of medical reform," and added, "Only then can our country continue to be a place where citizens can live healthy lives with peace of mind."