Korean Doctors Appeal for Global Solidarity

Amidst an ongoing legislative conflict, Korean medical professionals are reaching out to the international community for support. the crux of the issue lies in what they describe as a flawed healthcare system and punitive legal surroundings that is driving doctors away from essential medical fields. This appeal comes as the situation within korea’s medical system continues to escalate, impacting both practitioners and patients.

The Core Issues: Underfunding and Legal Risks

Lee Hye-joo, a policy director at the korean Medical Association (KMA) and former cardiovascular surgeon at Seoul National University Hospital, recently addressed the World Council of Social Councils in Montevideo, Uruguay, to highlight the critical challenges facing Korean healthcare. She emphasized that the exodus from essential medical fields stems primarily from the risk of legal repercussions in the event of medical accidents, coupled wiht systemic underfunding.

According to Lee, the single-payer health insurance system in Korea, combined with a designated fee schedule, results in hospitals receiving reimbursements that cover only about 79% of actual costs. This financial strain, coupled with the increasing threat of legal action, even in cases of unintentional errors, creates an unsustainable environment for doctors.

Korean doctors have a growing risk of legal punishment even if they are not clear or inexpensive in the event of a medical accident.
Lee Hye-joo, Korean Medical Association

This situation is further exacerbated by the government’s response, wich, according to the KMA, has been to increase medical school enrollment by 167% without addressing the underlying systemic issues. This approach is seen as a superficial solution that fails to tackle the root causes of the crisis.

Escalating tensions: Resignations, Threats, and Martial Law

The conflict has led to widespread resignations and leaves of absence among medical residents and students, a situation that has persisted for over a year.The government’s response has been perceived as heavy-handed, with return-to-work orders issued and threats of license suspension for non-compliance. Moreover, five representatives from major hospitals were reportedly subjected to lengthy police investigations.

Adding to the tension, the KMA claims that former President Yoon Seok-yeol’s proclamation of martial law in December of last year included language that implied the potential “execution” of medical residents. This, they argue, created a climate of fear and represented a severe threat to the lives and freedom of these young doctors.

The word ‘dan’ also included the possibility of execution, and there was a severe fear among majors, and this martial law was not just an executive order, but a clear threat to the lives and freedom of the majors.
Lee Hye-joo, Korean Medical Association

The KMA contends that the government’s actions constitute a serious violation of medical personnel’s rights to collective action, freedom of choice in employment, freedom of expression, and political participation.

Medical Reform Under Scrutiny: Concerns persist Post-Impeachment

Despite the impeachment of former President Yoon, the KMA asserts that the government continues to pursue its medical reform policies. One point of contention is the increasing reliance on Physician Assistants (PAs) to fill the void left by the striking medical residents. This practice raises concerns about the quality and safety of patient care.

Moreover, the KMA alleges that medical students are facing intimidation, with over 3,000 students reportedly being held back from promotion due to their participation in the protests. These actions are seen as attempts to suppress dissent and stifle opposition to the government’s policies.

A Call for Understanding and Support

In her address to the World Council of Social Councils, Lee Hye-joo emphasized the need for medical reform to be grounded in social consensus and ethical governance, given its direct impact on the lives of the people. she appealed to the international community for understanding and support in their fight for a just and safe medical system that recognizes the dignity of all medical professionals.

we are in desperate need of your understanding and support. We are fighting to create a just and safe medical system that all medical people are recognized for their dignity.
Lee Hye-joo, Korean Medical Association

The road Ahead: Seeking Enduring Solutions

The situation in Korea highlights the complex challenges facing healthcare systems globally. Balancing the need for affordable healthcare with the well-being and rights of medical professionals is a delicate act.As the conflict continues, the international community will be watching closely to see if a sustainable solution can be found that addresses the concerns of all stakeholders and ensures the delivery of quality healthcare to the Korean people. The keywords are: medical reform, healthcare system, legal risks, Korean Medical Association, international support.