KIRA Emergency General Assembly Convenes Amid Ongoing Uncertainty
"Restoring Trust Is Key to Rebuilding Korea's Core Healthcare"
Second-Half Resident Recruitment Marks a Critical Turning Point
The Korean Intern Resident Association (KIRA) has described the recruitment of residents for the second half of the year, which begins training in September, as a major turning point in the ongoing conflict between the medical community and the government.
Han Sungjon, Chair of the KIRA Emergency Response Committee, stated during his opening remarks at the extraordinary general assembly held at the Korean Medical Association (KMA) headquarters in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, on the morning of August 18, "I believe there must have been deep deliberation ahead of this second-half recruitment."
He continued, "While we are concerned about the future, we must not forget why this situation began in the first place. The previous administration's unilateral and oppressive policy implementation caused residents to lose their dreams, leaving them adrift and uncertain about their future."
He further emphasized, "Although it may seem as if everything has ended with the launch of the new administration, the fundamental spark that ignited this situation has not been fully extinguished. Our foundation remains unstable, and minor disruptions still linger in various places."
He also added, "It may take considerable time and effort to rebuild, but I believe that with restored trust, Korea's critical and core healthcare services can be reconstructed."
At the extraordinary general assembly, the KIRA Emergency Response Committee reported on its activities, including responses to recent medical issues, and sought opinions regarding a vote of confidence. Discussions on future response strategies are also ongoing.
Meanwhile, major training hospitals are closing applications for second-half resident recruitment this week. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Residency Environment Evaluation Committee, which accepted applications from hospitals and announced the recruitment numbers, a total of 13,498 positions are available: 3,006 interns, 3,207 first-year residents, and 7,285 senior residents (second to fourth year).
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