S.Korea puts 5,000 medics on notice over weeks-long protests

ISTANBUL

South Korea has put some 5,000 doctors on notice ahead of possible license suspension as protests by medics against an increase in annual medical seats continue.

The South Korean Health Ministry issued prior notices of license suspension to trainee doctors who “have defied an order to return to work,” Seoul-based Yonhap News reported.

According to Deputy Health Minister Jun Byung-wang, 4,944 junior doctors have been asked to “submit their opinions on punitive measures by March 25.”

"The government will spare no efforts to help trainee doctors wishing to return to hospitals," Jun said.

Some 11,994 medics – 93% of all – at 100 teaching hospitals across the country have resigned en masse and walked off the work.

The protesting doctors have asked the government to halt its plans to increase annual medical seats by 2,000.

However, the government of President Yoon Suk-yeol is adamant about increasing medical students to meet growing domestic needs.

The ongoing protests by the medical fraternity have disrupted services in the country where the role of junior doctors is significant.