Yoon urges prompt medical reform amid prolonged walkout

SEOUL, President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday called for the swift implementation of the government's medical reform, including raising the number of medical school students, amid a protracted walkout by trainee doctors nationwide. Yoon made the remark during a meeting with senior secretaries, according to presidential spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung. The president also highlighted the importance of a "thorough emergency response" for patients in critical condition, according to the spokesperson. More than 90 percent of the country's 13,000 trainee doctors walked off the job in the form of mass resignations more than three weeks ago to protest the government's decision to increase enrollment at medical schools by 2,000 spots starting next year to address a shortage of doctors. Another presidential official, meanwhile, warned of a stern response to medical school professors seeking resignation. "As the president asked for the swift implementation (of the medical reform) under the principle, professors leaving the ir worksites en masse while violating the medical law are no exception," the official said. On the previous day, medical school professors at Seoul National University resolved to submit resignations en masse next week if the government fails to present "a reasonable breakthrough" in the prolonged walkout. Source: Yonhap News Agency