This move aims to address severe staff shortages caused by the ongoing strike, now in its 12th week. The Ministry plans to change rules under the Medical Services Act to expand the tasks foreign medical license holders can do, including “medical assistance.” This addition is important to prevent harm to community health in case of a medical disaster.
Under the new rules, foreign license holders can provide medical services with approval from the Health Minister. While specifics about what they can do are not yet known, the Ministry promises to authorize essential services during the crisis.
The decision comes as several medical professors join the strike in solidarity with junior doctors. They’re protesting the government’s plan to set quotas for medical school admissions.
With the crisis now at “severe” status, the South Korean government recognizes the urgency. This move is a departure from normal procedures and shows the seriousness of the staffing shortage during the strike. The last time such a severe alert was issued was during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As South Korea deals with this unprecedented challenge, welcoming foreign doctors shows a commitment to protecting public health and ensuring care continues despite the crisis.
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Source: Vietnam Insider