The health ministry this week reiterated that negotiations over the reform plans were out of the question, saying it would implement the healthcare reforms “without wavering”.
The government has ordered junior medics to return or face legal action, and has moved to suspend the medical licences of those who refuse to comply, while offering incentives and setting up a hotline to support any who defy the walkout.
Seoul is pushing to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools annually from next year to address what it says is one of the lowest doctor-to-population ratios among developed nations.
Bang said Saturday that doctors cannot agree to an increase of 2,000 more students under any circumstances.
“We request the government once again. Please reconsider the figure of 2,000. Without this, initiating any negotiation will be impossible,” he said.
“If the current situation continues, it won’t be long before university hospitals collapse, dealing a significant and long-lasting blow to our country’s medical system,” he added.
Doctors say they fear the reform will erode the quality of service and medical education, but proponents of the plan accuse them of trying to safeguard their salaries and social status.
This week, the junior doctors said they had submitted a “letter requesting emergency intervention” from the International Labour Organization (ILO), claiming they were being “forced” by the government into unwanted labour. The government has dismissed the claim.
The reform plan enjoys broad public support, but a new poll by local media found 34 per cent of people wanted the government to negotiate to end the standoff.
