Synopsis
On January 24, South Korea's acting President Choi Sang-mok emphasized the need for robust management of the emergency medical system during the approaching Lunar New Year holiday, amid ongoing disputes with the medical community. Choi assured that care for vulnerable patients would remain a priority.Key Takeaways
- Emergency medical system management is crucial during holidays.
- Focus on high-risk patients including pregnant women and newborns.
- Healthcare services for children will be maintained during the holiday.
- Government plans to increase medical school seats to combat doctor shortages.
- Lunar New Year holiday extended to six days.
Seoul, Jan 24 (NationPress) The acting President of South Korea, Choi Sang-mok, on Friday called on officials to concentrate their efforts on sustaining the nation's emergency medical system during the forthcoming holiday, amidst ongoing tensions between the government and the medical sector.
"The government and local authorities will direct their endeavors to ensure the emergency medical system functions without interruptions, allowing citizens to enjoy the Lunar New Year holiday with peace of mind," Choi stated during a meeting with relevant authorities, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Choi emphasized that the government will pay special attention to delivering consistent medical services for high-risk pregnant women, newborns, and patients suffering from severe conditions. "I also encourage people to seek appropriate medical facilities depending on the seriousness of their conditions," Choi remarked, amid rising concerns regarding a lack of emergency room beds. Subsequently, Choi visited Woorisoa Children's Hospital in northern Seoul, where he conveyed his gratitude to the healthcare professionals for their commitment in crucial areas.
The hospital is prepared to offer medical services throughout the holiday to care for children afflicted with respiratory illnesses, particularly focusing on patients in non-critical conditions.
"The government will make every effort to provide policy support for healthcare workers serving in essential sectors and provincial regions," Choi stated during his visit.
Thousands of trainee doctors have been absent from their posts due to mass resignations since February of the previous year, as the medical community continues to advocate for the government to rethink its proposed increase in medical school enrollment.
The government has resolved to augment the number of medical school seats by 1,500 for 2025 as a component of a larger strategy to boost the total by approximately 10,000 over the next five years to tackle a nationwide doctor shortage.
This year’s Lunar New Year holiday has been extended to six days following the government’s designation of Monday as a temporary national holiday.
