ALBAWABA - South Korea has recently announced its plans to start taking action against trainee doctors who have been on strike, refusing to go back to work. The doctors' strike began about two weeks ago, with around 9000 junior doctors protesting a decision to increase medical school admissions starting next year.
This change is supposed to aim to address shortages in the healthcare system due to an aging population, though it seems many doctors in South Korea are not supportive of it, which started the doctors' strike.
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Despite the government's deadline for the doctors to return to work, only a few have done so. The government has warned that those who continue to strike will face consequences, such as facing legal action, including possible arrest or suspension of their medical licenses.
The strike has caused disruptions in hospitals, with many treatments and surgeries being canceled. The government has escalated its response by making inspections to identify those who have not returned to work.
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The South Korean government's decision to increase medical school admissions has been met with opposition from doctors who fear it will lower the quality of healthcare. However, public opinion supports the reforms, with up to 75 percent of people in favor of the changes.
The standoff between the government and doctors is ongoing, with no clear resolution in sight as of yet. The government is determined to implement the reforms despite the opposition, while doctors continue to resist, arguing that the reforms do not address the real issues in the healthcare sector.
