KMA: "Government, Stop Forcing Unfair Labor on Private Medical Institutions"

"Legal Action Against Unfair Labor Coercion"

The Korean Medical Association (KMA) has opposed the government's plan to operate about 4,000 duty hospitals during the Chuseok holiday, warning against being forced into unfair labor.

Seoul Yongsan-gu Korean Medical Association Hall. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

On the 2nd, the KMA stated in the "2024 Chuseok Holiday Medical Service Notice," "We will take legal action against the government's unfair labor demands on private medical institutions other than emergency medical institutions and facilities capable of emergency care during the Chuseok holiday."

They added, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare says that if there are insufficient emergency medical institutions, it will designate other hospitals and clinics to open during the holiday, and those who do not provide care will be punished according to the law. Doctors also have rights and families, and resting during the holiday allows them to provide safer care to patients."

Earlier, the government announced plans to designate more than 4,000 duty hospitals and clinics during this Chuseok holiday, about 400 more than during this year's Lunar New Year holiday. The Ministry of Health and Welfare's official letter, disclosed by the KMA, states, "The Ministry may designate and operate duty medical institutions according to Article 34 of the Emergency Medical Service Act if necessary."

The letter also includes that "If emergency or duty medical institutions do not comply, administrative sanctions such as a 15-day suspension of operations may be imposed."

The KMA warned sternly, "We strongly caution the government against forcing unfair labor," and stated, "We will take all legal measures to protect our members."

In guidance to its members, the KMA also urged, "Do not overwork during the holiday period." The KMA told its members, "Since the President has declared that the medical field is operating smoothly, we hope you trust the President and the government this holiday and prioritize your own health and family well-being."

They further argued, "Currently, many hospitals and clinics find it difficult to provide 24-hour emergency care due to a shortage of doctors and the collapse of backup care. Accepting emergency patients without sufficient capacity puts patients at greater risk."