Seoul: The South Korean government’s plan to increase the number of medical students is now facing opposition. Thousands of trainee doctors have come out in protest against this scheme. More than 6,400 trainee doctors have submitted their resignations to the government.
Officials said that after the resignation of thousands of trainee doctors, medical services have been affected. Surgeries and medical treatments are being delayed due to a shortage of doctors. Health Minister Park Min-min said the ministry has ordered 831 trainee doctors to return to work. Park said that as of Monday, 6,415 trainee doctors in 100 hospitals have submitted their resignations, of which about 1,600 have quit. Park said the government has extended duty hours in 97 government hospitals to deal with the difficulties in medical services. Has been increased and emergency rooms in 12 military hospitals will be opened to the public.
According to health officials, the number of doctors in South Korea is less than in other countries. However, doctors claimed that the government had not deliberated on the matter and the move would compromise the quality of medical education and services.
