01 Mar 2024 | 06:25 AM UTC
South Korea: Rally scheduled in Seoul 14:00-17:00 March 3, amid ongoing indefinite doctors' strike /update 2
Doctors will protest in Seoul, South Korea, 14:00-17:00 March 3 amid ongoing indefinite strike. Confirm medical appointments.
The Korean Medical Association (KMA) will stage a rally at Yeoui-daero in Seoul 14:00-17:00 March 3. The action is part of a series of demonstrations across South Korea amid an ongoing indefinite doctors' strike that began Feb. 20 to protest against the medical school enrollment quota increase. Organizers expect at least 25,000 participants, with unannounced and additional solidarity protests likely across the state in the coming weeks.
The work stoppage, likely to persist through mid-March, has caused widespread disruptions to medical services, including emergency care and surgical procedures. Organizers may cancel the strike at short notice if negotiations with authorities are successful.
A heightened security presence is likely around related protests. Localized transport disruptions are probable, especially if demonstrators block roadways. Police will deploy approximately 54 units to ensure that participants do not cause traffic congestion beyond the protest site, failing which they would disperse the crowd. While widespread violence is unlikely, isolated clashes are possible if police attempt to disperse the gathering forcibly. Officials may erect security barricades around government buildings near the rally site. Traffic restrictions, including security cordons and road closures, will likely persist along Yeoui-daero through the evening of March 3.
Avoid protests as a precaution. Plan for possible localized transport disruptions near rally sites. Allow additional time for travel to nearby destinations, including Seoul Gimpo International Airport (GMP). Use alternative routes to circumvent rally sites; do not navigate roadblocks as a safety precaution. Heed all local security and traffic advisories. Confirm medical appointments over the coming weeks. Plan for medical service delays. If possible, contact healthcare facilities in advance for information about wait times, which could vary among hospitals and clinics.
As of March 1, at least 9,997 resident doctors are participating in the work stoppage, despite return-to-work orders issued by authorities. The government raised its four-scale public health alert to the highest level of "serious" Feb. 23, and announced plans to extend the operating hours of all public medical institutions. Authorities opened emergency rooms in military hospitals and plan to send military doctors to public hospitals. The government announced plans to suspend the licenses of striking medical residents from March 4.
