In Korea, many medical professors and senior doctors are quitting their jobs or reducing their working hours, causing patients to fear being pushed into a “hostage” situation. This has left thousands of patient families concerned about the quality and availability of medical services.
Kim, a mother of a 27-month-old patient with kidney disease being treated at Seoul National University (SNU) Hospital, expressed worry as the two pediatricians in charge of her daughter intend to resign in May. They advised parents to seek treatment elsewhere in the coming months, leaving Kim feeling like her daughter was being held hostage. She expressed frustration at having to start the testing process over if they transfer hospitals and the additional fees involved.
The crisis in the healthcare system has been caused by the strike of resident and intern doctors that began in February. Professors at major medical centers such as Seoul National University (SNU) and Ulsan University have decided to take one day off each week, impacting patient care and causing treatment delays. The situation has left thousands of patient families concerned about the quality and availability of medical services.
Despite closures and changes in scheduling, hospitals will continue to treat emergency and critical condition patients. The strike was initiated in protest of government plans to increase medical student enrollment quotas, which doctors believe will impact the quality of care and raise patient costs. The government has made conciliatory moves by agreeing to let medical schools reduce enrollment quotas, but striking doctors continue to push for better working conditions and income stability. The crisis has highlighted the deep-rooted issues within the healthcare system in Korea and the challenges faced by both medical professionals and patients.