Health and Welfare Minister Cho Gyu-hong presiding over a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for Doctors’ Collective Action at the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s video conference room at the government Sejong City building on the morning of the 20th. Yonhap News
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, “The government has announced that it will conduct the national medical licensing exam as scheduled without postponement. Some medical schools are demanding a postponement of the national medical licensing exam for medical students on ‘allied leave,’ but this request has been rejected.”,
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, ‘Health and Welfare Minister Cho Gyu-hong presided over a meeting of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for Doctors’ Collective Action on the 3rd and explained, “The plan for this year’s medical licensing exam practical test was announced today and is scheduled to be held from September 2nd.” He further stated, “To protect the trust of examinees preparing for the exam, we will conduct the exam at the same time as in previous years.”‘,
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, ‘He urged, “There is concern that many medical students who are refusing to attend classes may not be able to obtain their medical licenses at the appropriate time.” and asked them to return to classes promptly to prepare for their future as doctors.’,
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, ‘Regarding the Korean Medical Association (KMA) which plans to conduct a referendum on a general strike, he emphasized, “It will only escalate conflicts” and said, “The medical community must join forces with the government to save essential and regional medical care, instead of further burdening and causing distress to the people. Now is the time for the medical community to work together with the government for medical reform.”‘,
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, ‘He also said, “We will minimize disadvantages for returning resident physicians and ensure that they receive proper training in a better environment,” and asked them to stop collective actions and participate in discussions on medical reform with professors.’,
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, ‘Minister Cho expressed regret, saying, “It is very unfortunate that despite the dedicated efforts of all doctors to protect the health and lives of patients, recent criticisms and resentments due to the medical staff shortage are directed at all doctors.” and said, “The government also bears responsibility for not coming up with proper measures for essential and regional medical care that has been on the verge of collapse for a long time.”‘,
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, ‘He reiterated his commitment to formulate and execute medical reform policies swiftly, with the Special Medical Reform Commission taking the lead.’,
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, ‘Minister Cho also expressed concern that the number of mild patients visiting emergency rooms is increasing and urged for continued support to maintain the emergency medical care system.’,
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, ‘He said, “The number of mild patients in the emergency room decreased from about 8,200 in the first week of February before the collective actions to about 6,400 in the first week of April, but increased to about 7,000 in the fourth week of May, which is a worrisome situation,” and urged, “To ensure that emergency treatment for severe and critical patients is carried out without interruption, mild patients should refrain from using the emergency room.”‘,
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