South Korea’s Yoon urges doctors to end impasse over trainees

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol expressed openness to dialogue with doctors opposing his plan to increase medical school admissions, acknowledging the need for compromise. He apologized for the disruption caused by the doctors’ strike but criticized them for prioritizing their interests over public health. Yoon invited doctors to present alternative solutions and rational arguments, indicating a willingness to adjust government policy accordingly. The strike, involving over 90 percent of trainee doctors, began in February in protest against the plan to add 2,000 medical school admissions by 2025. South Korea’s doctor-to-population ratio is lower than the OECD average, prompting previous unsuccessful attempts to address shortages. Yoon defended his administration’s reform efforts, rejecting claims of inadequate consultation and emphasizing the necessity of medical reform. He urged doctors to provide evidence-based proposals instead of engaging in collective action without substantiation.

Source – CGTN

Photo Credit – Reuters