South Korea’s Vice Minister of Health and Welfare, Park Min-soo, has indicated that adjusting the government’s plan to increase enrollment in medical schools is not physically impossible. This comes after President Yoon Suk Yeol met with trainee doctor leaders and promised to “respect” their stance on medical reform efforts, including the plan to add 2,000 spots in medical schools.
The increase in medical school capacity has led to protests from trainee doctors, with over 12,000 doctors abandoning their positions in opposition. The government had initially shown little willingness to adjust the plan, but Minister Park’s comments suggest a potential shift.
Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong also hinted at the possibility of changing the increase in medical school admissions, stating that the government is willing to engage in discussions with the medical community to resolve the dispute.
The reform plan has become a key issue in this week’s parliamentary elections, with the ruling People’s Power Party (PPP) aiming to secure a majority in the National Assembly. Despite the initial resistance, there appears to be some openness to dialogue and potential adjustments in the government’s plan for medical school enrollment.