South Korea Escalates Response to Doctors' Strike with Police Raid on Medical Association

In an unprecedented move, South Korea's authorities have intensified their crackdown on an ongoing strike by trainee doctors, with a police raid on the offices of the Korean Medical Association (KMA) shocking the nation. This dramatic escalation comes amid a growing dispute over proposed health system reforms, specifically a plan to increase medical school admissions to address a doctor shortage. The strike, which began on February 20, 2024, has seen about 80% of the trainee workforce walking off their jobs, leading to significant disruptions across major hospitals.

A Bold Step in a Deepening Crisis

The raid, aiming to gather evidence from mobile phones and computers, marks a new phase in the government's efforts to quell the walkout. Authorities are investigating KMA officials on accusations of obstructing business activity and abetting the strike, with the health ministry threatening striking doctors with criminal charges, suspension of medical licenses, and even jail time or fines. This hardline stance has been met with outrage from the medical community, with the KMA vowing to continue their protests against reforms they argue could degrade healthcare quality.

The Core of the Contention

At the heart of the dispute is a plan to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools annually, starting from 2025. This initiative aims to address South Korea's low doctor-to-population ratio. However, trainee doctors and the KMA argue that the focus should instead be on improving pay and working conditions for current practitioners, who are overworked and underpaid. They fear that an increase in medical school admissions will not solve the underlying issues, such as the need for more doctors in rural areas and the heavy workloads that contribute to a decline in service and education quality. Despite these concerns, public opinion seems to favor the reforms, with up to 75% support, as the government argues that more doctors are necessary to care for the aging population.

A Nation Divided

The strike and subsequent police raid have not only disrupted hospital operations, leading to the cancellation of around half of the surgeries at 15 major hospitals, but have also polarized public opinion. While some citizens express sympathy for the young doctors, others are frustrated by the impact on public health services. The government's legal actions against the striking doctors, including potential disciplinary measures and criminal prosecution for non-compliance, have sparked a debate about the future of healthcare in South Korea. With the KMA's resistance unwavering and the government's approval ratings on the rise amidst the crisis, the standoff poses critical questions about the balance between immediate healthcare needs and long-term reforms.