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South Korea Mobilizes Military Doctors Amid Widespread Medical Strike

Nearly 12,000 trainee doctors have walked out over government plans to increase medical school admissions, causing significant disruptions in healthcare services.

Doctors wearing masks attend a rally against the government’s medical policy in Seoul, South Korea. Photo: AP
Doctors during a rally against the government's plan to raise the annual enrolment quota at medical schools, in Seoul on March 3, 2024.
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Overview

  • Military and public health doctors are being deployed to strike-affected hospitals to mitigate the impact on patient care.
  • The government has begun suspending the medical licenses of 4,900 striking doctors, but remains open to dialogue.
  • The strike, which began on February 20, has led to surgery cancellations, long wait times, and delayed treatments at major hospitals.
  • Striking doctors argue that increasing medical school admissions will not address underlying issues of pay and working conditions.
  • Public opinion is divided, with a majority supporting the addition of more doctors, but concerns remain about the quality of medical services.