Striking South Korean doctors given end-February deadline to end stir

SEOUL, South Korea: This week, South Korea’s government gave young doctors staging a week-long protest until the end of February to end their strike or risk punishment.

The strike against a government plan to increase the number of students admitted to medical school has disrupted services for patients at several major hospitals, which have been forced to turn away patients and cancel procedures.

Two-thirds of South Korean resident and intern doctors had walked off the job against the plan, which the government said is aimed at addressing a shortage of doctors that is worsening in one of the world’s most rapidly aging societies.

At the opening of a task force meeting, safety minister Lee Sang-min said, "Considering the gravity of the situation, the government issues the last plea."

Chaos was mounting in hospitals, and emergency services had reached a "dangerous situation," he added.

"If you return to the hospital you left behind, by 29th February, you will not be held responsible for what has already happened. We urge you to remember your voice will be heard loudly and most effectively when you are by the side of patients," Lee said.

The government has previously stressed that it could take legal action against doctors who do not comply with a back-to-work order, including prosecution, possible arrest, and stripping them of their medical licenses.

In response, the protesting young doctors said that before trying to increase the number of physicians, the government should address the issue of poor pay and working conditions.

Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo said those who did not return by 1st March will face a minimum three-month suspension of their medical license and other legal action.

Despite not joining the strike, senior doctors and private practitioners have urged the government to scrap its plan to increase medical school quotas.

The plan, spearheaded by President Yoon Suk Yeol, is supported by many South Koreans.