Prime Minister Han Duck-soo urged doctors Sunday to cancel their planned walkout this week, a development that could escalate the monthslong standoff between the government and the medical community. Han issued the appeal as medical professors at Seoul National University and its affiliated hospitals have vowed to launch an indefinite walkout Monday. The Korea Medical Association, the biggest doctors' group, has also stated plans to lead a wider walkout starting Tuesday. "I express deep regret that even as sick patients are appealing with their tears for you to stop your collective walkout, the medical community has not changed its decision," Han said during a government meeting on the response to the doctors' walkout, referring to recent emotional rallies by patients' groups. "This is something that leaves a deep scar on our entire society and destroys the trust built over decades between doctors and patients," he said. This week's mass walkouts will be in support of trainee doctors who have remained of f the job since February in protest of the government's medical school enrollment hike plan. Despite the standoff, the government last month finalized an increase of some 1,500 seats at medical schools nationwide next year, the first such rise in 27 years. Han reiterated that the government will not penalize trainee doctors who return to work even now and that it remains ready to engage in any form of dialogue with the medical community. "However, despite our numerous contemplations, it is difficult to accept (the medical community's) request to completely nullify a measure we took in line with the Constitution and the law," he said, drawing the line on reconsidering the quota increase from scratch. Han also thanked the doctors who have stated their intention not to join the mass walkout, including the Korean Obstetric Hospital Association and the Korea Children's Hospital Association. Source: Yonhap News Agency
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