The pros and cons of the strike are tense, discussions continue at the Emergency Committee, “The strike is burdensome due to the government’s harsh policy” Opinions also shared by the Medical Council Today’s conference and demonstration will be held tomorrow The government “Confirms the number of staff to be increased for each medical school before April”
A group of medical residents who had planned a mass walkout (strike) to protest the government’s policy of increasing medical school admissions took a break by postponing the strike and switching to an emergency response committee system . Although the government said: “We consider it fortunate”, it does not lower its guard because it believes that collective action may continue in the form of individual resignations.
● General meeting of residents “There was a strong debate for and against the strike”
The Korean Association of Resident Doctors (Daejeon Association) held an online general meeting of delegates for about four hours starting at around 9pm on the 12th and discussed response measures related to the increase in medical schools. Contrary to the observation that opinions on joining the strike would prevail as residents of the “Big 5” hospitals (Seoul National University, Severance, Seoul Asan, Samsung Seoul and Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital) decided to participate in the strike action group before early voting. in each hospital there were different opinions in the general assembly and these are said to have emerged.
One participant expressed the feeling by saying: “It was difficult to gather opinions because the opinions of the delegates were different.” Some participants reportedly expressed their regret that more than 80% of the public is in favor of increasing the number of medical schools and that the government has announced a tough policy, even mentioning the cancellation of medical licenses. Since opinions for and against the situation were strong, the Daejeon Cooperative decided to have all managers except President Park resign and switch to a committee-free system instead of going on strike.
If residents (interns and residents) responsible for surgeries and front-line care in large hospitals go on strike, care will be significantly disrupted. Furthermore, both the government and the medical community have paid close attention to the results of the general assembly, as it could become a catalyst for a general strike of doctors like in 2020.
The change in the emergency committee is interpreted as an intention to regroup rather than strike immediately and appoint President Park as chair of the emergency committee to discuss the direction and timing of the group action more efficiently. An emergency medicine specialist in the metropolitan area said: “Even in past strikes, several weeks have passed from the general assembly of delegates to the actual strike,” and added: “Discussions on collective action have just get started.” However, there are many voices that say that the atmosphere is different than in the past. A resident of a metropolitan area hospital said: “Unlike the strike four years ago, there are many residents who think that this time it will be difficult to overturn the government’s decision.”
The Korean Medical Association, which has also formed an emergency committee, plans to hold a press conference on the 14th and reveal its future response policy to the government. It was also decided to organize demonstrations across the country on the 15th. There are still signs that opposition will spread to the medical community, with medical students holding a general assembly on the 13th to discuss measures to respond to the increase of medical schools, including taking a leave of absence.
● The government will “announce the size of the staff increase for each university next month”
The government reiterated its position that it will not stand by and ignore illegal activities. Prime Minister Han Deok-soo said at the cabinet meeting that day: “We will respond strictly in accordance with the law and principles against illegal acts that threaten people’s health and lives.” Park Min-soo, Second Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, said: “We are fortunate that (residents) did not express their position to take collective action,” but added: “Our basic policy does not is to compensate (relieve) after the fact for acts that violate the law.” Additionally, Deputy Minister Park denied some speculation that the Government would compromise with medical groups after the general election and said: “We will confirm the increase in staff numbers for each school in April.”
The government is examining response scenarios, believing that residents could continue to protest by submitting individual letters of resignation instead of a large-scale strike or by giving up their residency application after completing their internship. An official from a major hospital in Seoul said: “Most of the trainees complete their courses at the end of February, but if we do not apply for residency as a group, the number of residents will decrease significantly, which will inevitably affect the medical care”.
Reporter Park Seong-min min@donga.com
Reporter Lee Ji-woon easy@donga.com
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