South Korea presses ahead with medical school admissions hike despite trainee doctor strike

SEARCH: South Korea announced on Thursday ( May 30 ) that its medical schools would accept almost 1,500 more students for the year as a result of a national admissions increase that has caused trainee doctors to go on strike.

The government claimed the increase is necessary to address a medical lack, contending that South Korea will need to have 15, 000 fewer doctors to keep essential services unless action is taken.

The increase will lower the standard of education, according to groups representing doctors, and it wo n’t encourage doctors to work in far-off places or less well-known areas of practice. They contend that the state should prioritize better working conditions and earn.

The majority of apprentice specialists, who are thought to be around 13, 000, have been on strike since soon February because of the strain on the healthcare system, which has led to some hospitals turning away some people and cutting back on non-emergency therapies.

Medical schools may accept 4, 610 individuals next year, the education department said, somewhat shy of President Yoon Suk Yeol’s goal of 5, 000.

The Korean Medical Association, a group of private doctors, announced Thursday night that it would protest in several places to increase awareness of the threats posed by the admissions increase.

The government should take into account all possibilities while the Korean Health and Medical Workers ‘ Union, which represents healthcare workers, demanded that apprentice doctors take their chances back to work.

The state “must find the best health reform alternative,” according to a statement from the government. Trainee doctors who will shape South Korea’s healthcare system can choose from this option.