Medical Community Voices strong Opposition to Government’s Unilateral Decision

The korean Medical Association (KMA) has intensified its opposition to the government’s plan to increase medical school enrollment by 2,000 students. At its 77th General Assembly in Daejeon,the KMA council declared that the policy,implemented without adequate consultation,has created notable confusion in the medical field.

KMA Calls for Re-evaluation and Collaborative Dialogue

Kim Seong-geun, a KMA spokesperson, firmly stated the association’s position: a complete return to the status quo followed by renewed discussions with the government. The government should have published a 2,000 medical school increase policy through discussion with the medical community, but it did not, Kim asserted, highlighting the lack of collaborative decision-making.

Park Myung-ha, the KMA’s full-time vice chairman, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for the government to address the concerns of medical students and residents who have left their positions in protest. He proposed a legislative council, a bilateral forum involving both government and medical representatives, as the ideal platform for future negotiations.

The government must accept their demands to allow medical students and majors to return to their positions, and discuss with the medical community through the legislative council, a bilateral council of the government and the medical community.

Park Myung-ha, KMA Vice chairman

Supporting Young Doctors and Strengthening Political Influence

Recognizing the emotional toll on young members, the KMA council resolved to prioritize the well-being of medical students and residents affected by the ongoing dispute. As a symbolic gesture of support and to foster better interaction, the KMA will grant medical students “quasi-member” status, even though this designation does not confer voting rights or financial obligations.

Looking ahead to the upcoming presidential election, the KMA aims to exert greater political influence to ensure that future healthcare policies align with the needs of the medical community. Kim Taek-woo,chairman of the council,emphasized the importance of securing policy leadership to prevent future medical reform initiatives that could negatively impact the profession.

The KMA is also actively preparing to address the potential establishment of public medical schools and advocating for legislation to reduce the mandatory service period for military doctors and public health physicians. These efforts reflect the association’s commitment to shaping the future of healthcare in Korea.

Focus on Improving the Medical Surroundings

To address systemic issues within the healthcare system, the KMA has established a “Medical Environment Advancement Promotion Committee.” This committee,comprised of individuals with expertise in various fields including labor,governance,and politics,will focus on safeguarding the interests of doctors and promoting a more sustainable and supportive work environment.

Chairman Kim stressed the critical need to restore trust between the government and the medical community, stating that To rebuild the medical system that has seriously damaged by the medical farming crisis, the restoration of trust between the government and the medical community must be preceded.

Political Engagement and Future Implications

The KMA’s General Assembly drew attention from prominent political figures, including representatives from the Democratic Party, the People power Party, and the Reformed Party, as well as the Mayor of Daejeon Metropolitan City. This broad political engagement underscores the meaning of the ongoing debate surrounding medical school expansion and its potential impact on the future of healthcare in Korea.

The KMA’s firm stance and proactive measures signal a continued effort to advocate for the interests of its members and shape the direction of healthcare policy in the country. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the government and the medical community can find common ground and work together to address the challenges facing the Korean healthcare system.