Healthcare Labor Dispute News

South Korea Sets Deadline for Striking Doctors to End Walkout

Junior doctors in South Korea have been given four days to end their walkouts protesting a government plan to increase medical school admissions, or they could face prosecution or have their medical licenses suspended. The government argues that adding more doctors is necessary to address the country's aging population, while the strikers believe the plan would not resolve the chronic shortage of doctors in key but low-paying areas. The government has threatened disciplinary action against the striking doctors if they do not return to work by the end of the month, while the striking doctors worry about increased competition and lower incomes. The walkouts have severely impacted hospital operations, leading to numerous cancellations of surgeries and treatments, and have sparked public debate and criticism.