South Korean trainee doctors' protest to intensify as new graduates refuse to take internships
Hospitals in South Korea grapple with disruptions as trainee doctors stop work for 6th day
25.02.2024 -
ANKARA
An ongoing walkout protest by South Korean trainee doctors that has already taken a toll on the country's healthcare system, is expected to intensify as fresh medical graduates reportedly refused to take internships, local media reported on Sunday.
The move to join the large-scale protest against the government's plan to boost the number of medical students is likely to add to the already increasing pressure on the government, the Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.
Some 188 intern candidates at Chonnam National University Hospital, Jeju National University Hospital, Pusan National University Hospital, and Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital have declined internships.
Hospitals across South Korea continued to grapple with disruptions to their daily operations on Sunday, as a large-scale walkout by trainee doctors entered its sixth consecutive day.
The protests began on Tuesday in the Far East nation after thousands of junior doctors, including trainee medics, filed mass resignations against the government's plan to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools next year.
Currently, South Korea admits 3,058 students for medical studies.
All major hospitals have been experiencing delays in their operating schedules, which has prompted even patients in critical condition to seek care at smaller medical facilities.
Some hospitals adjusted their intensive care unit schedules from three shifts to two because of the shortage of on-duty doctors.
The government has also extended health care hours, among other measures, to "minimize the impact of the move on the health and lives of the people."
The government claims that the planned increase in the number of medical students is necessary to address a “shortage” of doctors, particularly in rural areas and essential medical fields, particularly high-risk surgeries, pediatrics, obstetrics, and emergency medicine.
Doctors, however, demand that the government rather focus on improving compensation to induce more physicians to practice in such unpopular areas.
In a related development, the Korean Medical Association, a nationwide lobbying group of doctors, plans to convene a meeting later Sunday to discuss their course of action.
Hospitals in South Korea grapple with disruptions as trainee doctors stop work for 6th day
25.02.2024 -
ANKARA
An ongoing walkout protest by South Korean trainee doctors that has already taken a toll on the country's healthcare system, is expected to intensify as fresh medical graduates reportedly refused to take internships, local media reported on Sunday.
The move to join the large-scale protest against the government's plan to boost the number of medical students is likely to add to the already increasing pressure on the government, the Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.
Some 188 intern candidates at Chonnam National University Hospital, Jeju National University Hospital, Pusan National University Hospital, and Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital have declined internships.
Hospitals across South Korea continued to grapple with disruptions to their daily operations on Sunday, as a large-scale walkout by trainee doctors entered its sixth consecutive day.
The protests began on Tuesday in the Far East nation after thousands of junior doctors, including trainee medics, filed mass resignations against the government's plan to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools next year.
Currently, South Korea admits 3,058 students for medical studies.
All major hospitals have been experiencing delays in their operating schedules, which has prompted even patients in critical condition to seek care at smaller medical facilities.
Some hospitals adjusted their intensive care unit schedules from three shifts to two because of the shortage of on-duty doctors.
The government has also extended health care hours, among other measures, to "minimize the impact of the move on the health and lives of the people."
The government claims that the planned increase in the number of medical students is necessary to address a “shortage” of doctors, particularly in rural areas and essential medical fields, particularly high-risk surgeries, pediatrics, obstetrics, and emergency medicine.
Doctors, however, demand that the government rather focus on improving compensation to induce more physicians to practice in such unpopular areas.
In a related development, the Korean Medical Association, a nationwide lobbying group of doctors, plans to convene a meeting later Sunday to discuss their course of action.
Hospitals in South Korea grapple with disruptions as trainee doctors stop work for 6th day
Doctors protest against government's plan to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools next year
25.02.2024 -
ANKARA
Hospitals across South Korea continued to grapple with disruptions to their daily operations on Sunday, as a large-scale walkout by trainee doctors entered its sixth consecutive day, local media reported.
The protests began on Tuesday last in the Far East nation after thousands of junior doctors, including trainee medics, filed mass resignations against the government's plan to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools next year.
Currently, South Korea admits 3,058 students for medical studies.
All major hospitals have been experiencing delays in their operating schedules, which has prompted even patients in critical condition to seek care at smaller medical facilities, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.
Some hospitals adjusted their intensive care unit schedules from three shifts to two because of the shortage of on-duty doctors.
The government has also extended health care hours, among other measures, to "minimize the impact of the move on the health and lives of the people."
The government claims that the planned increase in the number of medical students is necessary to address a “shortage” of doctors, particularly in rural areas and essential medical fields, particularly high-risk surgeries, pediatrics, obstetrics and emergency medicine.
Doctors, however, demand that the government rather focus on improving compensation to induce more physicians to practice in such unpopular areas.
In a related development, the Korean Medical Association, a nationwide lobbying group of doctors, plans to convene a meeting later Sunday to discuss their course of action.
Doctors protest against government's plan to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools next year
25.02.2024 -
ANKARA
Hospitals across South Korea continued to grapple with disruptions to their daily operations on Sunday, as a large-scale walkout by trainee doctors entered its sixth consecutive day, local media reported.
The protests began on Tuesday last in the Far East nation after thousands of junior doctors, including trainee medics, filed mass resignations against the government's plan to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools next year.
Currently, South Korea admits 3,058 students for medical studies.
All major hospitals have been experiencing delays in their operating schedules, which has prompted even patients in critical condition to seek care at smaller medical facilities, Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.
Some hospitals adjusted their intensive care unit schedules from three shifts to two because of the shortage of on-duty doctors.
The government has also extended health care hours, among other measures, to "minimize the impact of the move on the health and lives of the people."
The government claims that the planned increase in the number of medical students is necessary to address a “shortage” of doctors, particularly in rural areas and essential medical fields, particularly high-risk surgeries, pediatrics, obstetrics and emergency medicine.
Doctors, however, demand that the government rather focus on improving compensation to induce more physicians to practice in such unpopular areas.
In a related development, the Korean Medical Association, a nationwide lobbying group of doctors, plans to convene a meeting later Sunday to discuss their course of action.
On Feb 24, 2024
Seoul: Health services were affected in South Korea as thousands of trainee doctors remained off their jobs for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday to protest against the government’s plan to raise the medical school enrollment quota.
According to the health ministry, till Thursday night, 8,897, or 78.5 per cent, of the 13,000 trainee doctors from 96 major teaching hospitals in Seoul and elsewhere have submitted their resignations, with 7,863 of them not reporting for work, Yonhap news agency reported.
Chungnam National University Hospital on Saturday turned away some patients seeking emergency care due to a limited number of available physicians to handle urgent cases, such as cardiac arrest.
The government has also advised patients with mild symptoms to utilise nearby clinics instead of general hospitals.
Doctors and medical students have voiced opposition to the government’s plan to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools next year from the current 3,058 seats to address a shortage of doctors.
Despite authorities repeatedly warning of police investigations or even arrests of physicians participating in the walkout in the case of patient deaths, the Korean Medical Association has large-scale rallies planned to be held in Seoul on Sunday and March 3.
–IANS
Seoul: Health services were affected in South Korea as thousands of trainee doctors remained off their jobs for the fifth consecutive day on Saturday to protest against the government’s plan to raise the medical school enrollment quota.
According to the health ministry, till Thursday night, 8,897, or 78.5 per cent, of the 13,000 trainee doctors from 96 major teaching hospitals in Seoul and elsewhere have submitted their resignations, with 7,863 of them not reporting for work, Yonhap news agency reported.
Chungnam National University Hospital on Saturday turned away some patients seeking emergency care due to a limited number of available physicians to handle urgent cases, such as cardiac arrest.
The government has also advised patients with mild symptoms to utilise nearby clinics instead of general hospitals.
Doctors and medical students have voiced opposition to the government’s plan to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools next year from the current 3,058 seats to address a shortage of doctors.
Despite authorities repeatedly warning of police investigations or even arrests of physicians participating in the walkout in the case of patient deaths, the Korean Medical Association has large-scale rallies planned to be held in Seoul on Sunday and March 3.
–IANS
South Korea health alert raised to 'severe' over doctors walkout
AA International Desk
South Korea raised its health alert to the highest level on Friday after a mass walkout by trainee doctors this week, while the prime minister said public hospitals would extend working hours to respond to growing strains on the medical system.
Almost two-thirds of the country's young doctors have walked off the job to protest a government plan to admit more students to medical schools, forcing hospitals to turn away patients and cancel procedures, and raising fears about further disruption to the medical system should the dispute drag on, Reuters reports.
"The operation of public medical institutions will be raised to the maximum level," Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said at the opening of a disaster management meeting.
Public hospitals will extend operating hours and will also open on weekends and holidays, he said.
So far, more than 8,400 doctors have joined the walkout, the health ministry said, equivalent to about 64 percent of the entire number of resident and intern doctors in South Korea.
While they represent a far smaller fraction of the country's 100,000 doctors overall, trainee doctors make up a big portion of the staff at teaching hospitals, more than 40 percent in some cases, and play a key role in the daily operations.
Their role is especially pronounced in emergency rooms, intensive care units and operating rooms at the large hospitals, which are visited by patients referred to them by secondary hospitals and private practice clinics. Larger hospitals rely excessively on trainee doctors in part for cost reasons.
The growing pressure on hospitals prompted the government to raise its health alert to "severe" from "cautious" as of Friday.
Emergency departments in South Korea's biggest hospitals have been squeezed since trainee doctors began leaving the job this week in protest at the government plan.
The doctors taking part in the protest say the real issue is pay and working conditions, not the number of physicians.
AA International Desk
South Korea raised its health alert to the highest level on Friday after a mass walkout by trainee doctors this week, while the prime minister said public hospitals would extend working hours to respond to growing strains on the medical system.
Almost two-thirds of the country's young doctors have walked off the job to protest a government plan to admit more students to medical schools, forcing hospitals to turn away patients and cancel procedures, and raising fears about further disruption to the medical system should the dispute drag on, Reuters reports.
"The operation of public medical institutions will be raised to the maximum level," Prime Minister Han Duck-soo said at the opening of a disaster management meeting.
Public hospitals will extend operating hours and will also open on weekends and holidays, he said.
So far, more than 8,400 doctors have joined the walkout, the health ministry said, equivalent to about 64 percent of the entire number of resident and intern doctors in South Korea.
While they represent a far smaller fraction of the country's 100,000 doctors overall, trainee doctors make up a big portion of the staff at teaching hospitals, more than 40 percent in some cases, and play a key role in the daily operations.
Their role is especially pronounced in emergency rooms, intensive care units and operating rooms at the large hospitals, which are visited by patients referred to them by secondary hospitals and private practice clinics. Larger hospitals rely excessively on trainee doctors in part for cost reasons.
The growing pressure on hospitals prompted the government to raise its health alert to "severe" from "cautious" as of Friday.
Emergency departments in South Korea's biggest hospitals have been squeezed since trainee doctors began leaving the job this week in protest at the government plan.
The doctors taking part in the protest say the real issue is pay and working conditions, not the number of physicians.
Senior doctors and members of the Korean Medical Association, which represents physicians in private practice, have not joined the trainee doctors in the walkout but held rallies demanding the government scrap its plan.
A large rally is expected in Seoul on Sunday.
The prime minister again pleaded with young doctors to not make the wrong choice that would forever tarnish the sacrifice and dedication they showed during the COVID-19 pandemic that had earned them the respect of the public.
He also called on the medical community to stop "pushing young doctors" and said the government is always open to dialogue.
Many Koreans support the government's plan to increase medical school admissions, with a recent Gallup Korea poll showing about 76 percent of respondents in favour, regardless of political affiliation.
Hospitals experience disruptions on extended doctors' walkout
2024-02-25
A patient is transported to the emergency room at Chungnam National University Hospital, Feb. 24, amid a walkout by trainee doctors protesting the government's plan to increase the medical school enrollment quota. Yonhap
Major hospitals across the country continued to experience disruptions Saturday as thousands of trainee doctors remained off their jobs for the fifth consecutive day in protest against the government's plan to raise the medical school enrollment quota.
Nearly 100 general hospitals have canceled or postponed nonessential procedures and turned away non-emergency patients, prioritizing service for severe emergency cases to minimize the growing strain on the medical system.
As of Thursday night, 8,897, or 78.5 percent, of the 13,000 trainee doctors from 96 major teaching hospitals in Seoul and elsewhere have submitted their resignations, with 7,863 of them not reporting for work, according to the health ministry.
More junior doctors are expected to join the protest, raising concerns as they play a vital role in assisting with surgeries and emergency services.
One hospital, Chungnam National University Hospital, located in the central city of Daejeon, turned away some patients seeking emergency care Saturday due to a limited number of available physicians to handle urgent cases, such as cardiac arrest.
"A grandmother came to the emergency room alone this morning, but (the hospital) says it can only accommodate critical patients, making treatment impossible," said a paramedic, noting that the patient would be transported to a smaller hospital nearby.
Hospitals have struggled to maintain their operations by enlisting the help of doctors in fellowship programs, professors and nurses to fill the void.
Since raising its four-scale health care service crisis gauge to the highest level of "serious" from "cautious," the government has also advised patients with mild symptoms to utilize nearby clinics instead of general hospitals.
Furthermore, the government has temporarily extended telemedicine services, such as consultations and prescriptions, at all hospitals and clinics until the end of the walkout.
A notice at the entrance of the emergency room inside Chungnam National University Hospital, Feb. 24, informs people that the hospital is being operated in an emergency mode due to the absence of many trainee doctors. Yonhap
The telemedicine services had been partially available since 2020 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic under strict regulations.
Imminent expiration of striking junior doctors' contracts fuels concerns
2024-02-23
Additionally, military hospitals nationwide have fully opened their emergency rooms to the public since Tuesday to address public health concerns over emergency services.
According to the defense ministry, a total of 32 civilians had received treatment at military hospitals as of noon Saturday.
Doctors and medical students have voiced opposition to the government's plan to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools next year from the current 3,058 seats to address a shortage of doctors.
The government plans to remedy a shortfall of 15,000 physicians expected by 2035.
The Korean Medical Association (KMA), a main lobby group for doctors, argues that there are already sufficient physicians and that simply increasing the quota of medical students would lead to unnecessary medical costs.
Furthermore, the KMA argues that the plan fails to address issues, such as overburdening and the lack of incentives for doctors who specialize in essential health care services, including pediatrics, obstetrics and emergency medicine.
In contrast, the government said that the country should begin training more new doctors to address the challenges posed by a rapidly aging society, citing examples of other major developed countries facing shortages of physicians.
The number of doctors in South Korea relative to the size of the population is among the lowest in the developed world, according to health authorities.
Despite authorities repeatedly warning of police investigations or even arrests of physicians participating in the walkout in the case of patient deaths, the KMA plans to hold large-scale rallies in Seoul on Sunday and March 3.
In a statement released late Saturday, the Medical Professors Association of Korea said it will make utmost efforts to help resolve the current medical crisis and serve as arbitrator in the disputes between the government and the doctors' group for a breakthrough.
On Friday, the government raised its health alert to "severe" from "cautious" after emergency departments at major hospitals have been squeezed since the walkout began Tuesday.
Early this week, President Yoon Suk Yeol said the government won't surrender to the doctors' collective action this time as it did in 2014 and 2020, when it failed to adopt telemedicine services and to increase the medical school enrollment quota, respectively.
A recent Gallop Korea poll shows about 76 percent of respondents were in favor of the government's plan, regardless of political affiliation.
(Yonhap)
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