Posted By :  Admin1

Seoul (South Korea): Medical professors in South Korea have announced their intention to reduce their practice hours starting on Monday in solidarity with trainee doctors who have been on strike for over a month. They are protesting against the government's proposal to expand medical school admissions, which they argue will compromise medical education quality and potentially lead to the collapse of the healthcare system. Kim Chang-soo, the president of the Medical Professors Association of Korea, stated that they will prioritize emergency and severely ill patients, while some professors may even resign. The strike by trainee doctors has already resulted in hospitals rejecting patients and postponing procedures due to the shortage of staff. The government argues that the plan is crucial to address the shortage of doctors in one of the world's rapidly aging societies, although critics contend that authorities should prioritize improving the working conditions of trainee doctors first. Since February 20, trainee doctors have been on strike, despite President Yoon Suk Yeol's commitment to healthcare reforms, which includes implementing the admissions plan. Although initially threatening to suspend licenses of striking doctors, President Yoon appeared to adopt a more conciliatory stance on Sunday, urging Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to explore "flexible measures" in handling suspensions. Yoon instructed the prime minister to establish a "constructive consultative body" to engage with medical professionals. According to a Gallup poll released on March 15, 38% of respondents believe the government is effectively managing the backlash from doctors and the medical void during the strike, while 49% disagree.