14 Aug 2020 | 07:09 AM UTC
South Korea: Thousands of medical facilities close and demonstration planned amid nationwide doctors strike August 14 /update 2
Thousands of medical facilities close and protest planned as doctors and health sector employees launch nationwide strike on August 14; avoid all associated demonstrations
Event
Thousands of medical facilities have closed in South Korea as doctors and health workers commenced a one day strike on Friday, August 14. Reportedly, roughly 8365 medical facilities out of 33,836, including private clinics, said that they would close on Friday in order to participate in the strike; however, this number could rise. A protest is also reportedly scheduled to take place outside the National Assembly building in Seoul on Friday. The strike action and associated protests are taking place to denounce a recent government medical reform plan which will see admission quotas raised for medical schools.
Significant disruptions to medical services are to be anticipated across the country. Associated demonstrations are to be anticipated, along with a heightened security presence and localized overland travel disruptions.
Advice
Those in South Korea are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate potential disruptions to the provision of medical services, avoid all public demonstrations as a precaution, and confirm medical appointments.
