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South Korea Seeks to End Doctors' Strike
A consultative body in South Korea aims to resolve a prolonged doctors' strike by addressing medical school quotas and working conditions.
English
South Korea
PoliticsHealthLabour MarketHealthcareStrikeReformNegotiation
People Power PartyKorean Academy Of Medical SciencesDemocratic PartyGovernment Of South Korea
Han Dong-HoonHan Duck-SooKim Sung-WonCho Kyoo-HongLee Ju-Ho
- What prompted the mass resignation of trainee doctors?
- Thousands of trainee doctors have been on strike since February, protesting the government's decision to increase medical school quotas. This mass resignation has severely disrupted South Korea's national healthcare system.
- What is the main purpose of the newly formed consultative body?
- A consultative body, involving the ruling People Power Party, the government, and doctors' groups, was formed to resolve the trainee doctors' walkout. The goal is to reach a meaningful solution by late December, aiming to deliver a "Christmas gift" to the public.
- Who participated in the first meeting of the consultative body?
- The consultative body's first meeting included the ruling party leader, the Prime Minister, and representatives from medical school deans and the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences. They discussed measures to encourage trainee doctors to return to work.
- What is the deadline for the consultative body to achieve results?
- The body aims to achieve significant results by December 22nd or 23rd. The Prime Minister emphasized the need for the opposition Democratic Party to participate in discussions for a comprehensive solution.
- What other issues besides the medical school quota are being addressed?
- Besides the quota increase, the Prime Minister pledged to address trainee doctors' concerns regarding working conditions and fair compensation. The decisions from the consultative body will directly influence government policy on healthcare reform.