Government-doctor talks remain at standstill on quota expansion plan

Last week, the new head of the Korean Medical Association – the country’s largest doctors’ group – also urged the removal of Park and Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong as a preliminary condition for a dialogue. “We’ve been treating patients without time constraints and reducing their numbers, (but) it seems like we’ve reached physical limits. (Medical professors) agreed to take a day off after a 24-hour shift starting on Monday,” he added. “Even if (the government) ultimately reaches having 2,000 (more seats), it can delay or (implement the plan) gradually,” he said. Meanwhile, the KMA met with the Metropolitan and Provincial Council Chairs Association of Korea later in the day to discuss response plans over the issue.