SEOUL: South Korea’s health minister said on Monday authorities will start inspecting hospitals in order to take legal action against trainee doctors who have ignored an ultimatum to end a walkout over government plans to increase medical school admissions.
Around 9,000 resident and intern doctors, or about 70 percent of the country’s total, have walked off the job since Feb 20, leading to the cancellation of some surgeries and treatments and straining emergency departments. The government had warned the protesting trainee physicians they could face administrative and legal penalties, including the suspension of their medical licences and fines or a jail term if they did not return to work the end of last month.
“From today, we plan to conduct on-site inspections to confirm trainee doctors who have not returned, and take action according to the law and principle without exception,” Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong told a televised briefing.“Please keep in mind that doctors who have not returned may experience serious problems in their personal career path.”For protesting doctors who returned to the field, Choo said the government would consider extenuating circumstances when contemplating any action against them.
Storm warnings for high winds, heavy rain and hail also were issued by the National Weather Service on Sunday
The Public and Commercial Services union said more than 300 members of staff would stop working early on Monday
Macron has been more strident on defence issues recently
His spokesperson said Harry would attend a service at St Paul’s Cathedral in London on May 8 to celebrate the...
Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia would never cede territories seized from Ukraine in exchange...
The transition council took power in a ceremony on Thursday, formalizing the resignation of former Prime Minster Ariel...