Hundreds of doctors rally against steep increase in medical student numbers
SEOUL, South Korea — In a display of discontent, hundreds of South Korean doctors took to the streets of Seoul and other cities on Thursday to protest against the government’s proposal to increase the number of medical students. The doctors’ groups argue that the planned increase of 2,000 medical students starting in 2025 is too drastic. Instead, they are calling on officials to address the issue of low medical fees.
Concerns over the shortage of doctors
Authorities have stated that South Korea is in need of more doctors as it currently has one of the lowest numbers of medical professionals relative to its population among developed nations. The demand for medical services is continuously growing due to the country’s fast-aging society. Furthermore, South Korea is grappling with shortages of doctors in critical fields such as obstetrics and pediatrics, as well as in rural regions outside of the capital.
Doctors’ resistance and government response
South Korea has maintained a quota of 3,058 medical students since 2006, as doctors have successfully resisted previous attempts by the government to increase the number of students. Not even the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic could sway the doctors’ groups. While threats of strikes have been made, the Health Ministry downplayed the possibility of major walkouts that could disrupt medical services.
A united front against the increase
Despite the rain, hundreds of doctors marched through the streets in front of Seoul’s presidential office, brandishing banners and signs that read “We oppose with our lives an increase in medical students without consent of the medical sector.” Similar protests were held across the country, reflecting the unity among doctors in this matter.
Doctors call for better conditions
Joo Sooho, former president of the Korea Medical Association, emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the improvement of working conditions in critical sectors like obstetrics and pediatrics. He suggested that a legal safety net and increased medical fees should be implemented to alleviate the pressure and heavy workloads faced by doctors in these fields.
Government’s stance and public opinion
The government has expressed its willingness to meet with doctors’ groups to address their concerns. However, it remains firm on its decision to increase the number of medical students and has no intentions of adjusting the scale or timing of the increase, according to Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo. In an editorial published in the Korea JoongAng Daily newspaper, it was stated that a strike by doctors would likely receive little public support.
Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung contributed to this report.