South Korea has threatened trainee doctors who are protesting against medical reforms with prosecution and the suspension of medical licenses, as their strike entered a second week.
The warning came as 9,006 trainee doctors had not shown up for work as of Monday as part of a protest against government plans to sharply increase medical school admissions.
“Please return to your workplaces by the end of this month, February 29,” Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo said at a press briefing on Monday.
“If you return to the hospital you left by this date, you will not be held responsible for the past,” he added.
In South Korea, doctors are restricted by law from striking.
Local media reported Monday that more doctors, including fellows and even fresh medical school graduates, were joining the protests.
The walkout has impacted medical services and resulted in cancellations and postponements of surgeries for cancer patients and C-sections for pregnant women.
The country has also raised its public health alert to the highest level over the fallout.
The government says it plans to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools annually, starting next year in the face of shortages and a rapidly aging society.
The strikers have voiced their opposition to the government’s plan, saying it would hurt the quality of service. Junior doctors also say the government should first address their pay and tough working conditions.
Polls suggest about 75 percent of the South Korean public backs the increase, with proponents of the plan saying doctors’ main concern is that the plan could erode their income.
