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.