In response to South Korea's major healthcare crisis, with nearly 12,000 trainee doctors from over 100 hospitals embarking on a walkout over government reform plans, the government has initiated plans to mitigate the impact of this mass strike on patient care by deploying military physicians and doctors from public health centers to the strike-hit hospitals.

As Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong announced on Sunday, the deployment would include 20 military surgeons and 138 public health doctors who will be assigned to hospitals for four weeks. Despite the deployment, the number of military physicians called upon is only a fraction of the approximately 2,400 military doctors available.

Striking Doctors Persist Despite Government Warnings

While the government has kept its stance that the walkout has not resulted in a full-blown health crisis, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Some hospitals have been forced to turn away patients, while others are experiencing delays in medical procedures.

Efforts to persuade the striking doctors to return to work have been met with limited success. Despite warnings of potential license suspension, many doctors remain steadfast in their protest against the government's reform plans.

Additionally, the government has sent notices to over 4,900 doctors, hinting at the possibility of license suspension if explanations for their absence are not provided. However, Health Minister Cho has stated that leniency will be granted to those who voluntarily return to work.

The government has also asserted its authority to mandate doctors' return to work if deemed necessary to safeguard public health.

Read Also: South Korea Grows Emergency Fund as President Takes Tougher Stance on Striking Doctors

Debate over Plans to Add Medical School Admissions

At the heart of the dispute are government plans to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 annually starting from 2025. However, striking doctors argue that simply increasing the number of medical students will not address underlying issues such as pay and work conditions.

There are concerns that the proposed reforms may exacerbate existing problems rather than resolve them. Additionally, critics have accused President Yoon Suk Yeol of using medical reforms for political gain ahead of parliamentary elections.

According to an Al Jazeera report, a study conducted last week by the Yonhap news agency revealed that 84% of participants favored hiring additional doctors, while 43% believed that physicians on strike should face harsh consequences.

The situation remains tense as both sides stand firm in their positions. The government is adamant about implementing reforms to address healthcare shortages while striking doctors continue to demand better pay and working conditions.

As the standoff persists, the immediate concern remains the welfare of patients caught in the middle of this dispute.

Related Article: South Korea Sets Deadline for Protesting Doctors to Return to Work as Walkouts Burden Hospital Operations