South Korean doctors hold a mass rally against medical policy

Thousands of South Korean doctors, organized by the Korean Medical Association (KMA), rallied against government plans to increase medical school admissions. Approximately 40,000 doctors participated, while police estimated the crowd at 12,000. This follows a deadline for resident and intern doctors, who make up 70% of the country’s total, to return to work after walking off the job in late February. The government aims to raise medical school admissions by 2,000 in 2025 and by 10,000 by 2035. The KMA insists on reforming the medical system before expanding quotas. Prime Minister Han Duck-soo urged an end to the protest, while interior minister Lee Sang-min warned of potential penalties for non-compliance. The government has issued a back-to-work order for 13 doctors, raided KMA officials, and banned some members from leaving the country for an investigation into protest-related activities.

Source – CGTN