S Korean PM pleads doctor to stay

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo

Medical professors in South Korea are considering taking weekly breaks in solidarity with junior doctors. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo pleaded with medical professors on Friday to remain at their workplaces with patients amidst the ongoing walkout by medical interns and residents.

The country's 13,000 trainee doctors have been on strike through mass resignations since February 20, protesting the government's decision to significantly increase the medical school enrolment quota. About 32 universities will be permitted to increase their admission quotas freely starting in 2025. This would make the annual increase range between 50 and 100 per cent.

This is a turnaround from the previous decision to add 2,000 more medical school admissions. Last week, the government accepted a request from the chiefs of six national universities for flexibility in expanding the medical school enrolment quota. Despite these efforts, more professors have offered resignations. Some have even considered the suspension of all surgeries and treatments for outpatients once a week.

In a meeting with government officials, Duck-soo said, "I earnestly implore the professors to please continue to stand by the patients, and persuade your students to return now." He added that the country would heed to their demands if they returned to their duties.

13,000
Trainee doctors on strike in SK

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