South Korea's Health Crisis Escalates as Doctor Strike Continues

The government raises the health alert to 'severe' and implements emergency measures in response to the ongoing strike by trainee doctors.

South Korea has raised its health crisis level to 'severe' as a strike by thousands of trainee doctors continues, causing major disruptions in healthcare services.
The government has implemented emergency measures, including extending public hospital hours and hiring additional temporary medical staff, to mitigate the impact of the strike.
The strike began in protest against a government plan to increase medical school admissions, a move aimed at addressing doctor shortages in essential fields and remote areas.
Doctors argue that increasing admissions will lower the quality of medical education and that the government should instead focus on improving working conditions and salaries.
Public support for the government's plan is high, with a recent Gallup Korea poll finding 76% in favor of expanding the medical school quota.