South Korea: Doctors launch nationwide strike August 14 /update 1

Event

Doctors and health worker employees have launched a one-day nationwide strike on Friday, August 14, to protest a recent government medical reform plan which will see admission quotas raised for medical schools. Reports suggest that the demonstration has been organized by members of the Korea Medical Association (KMA) union. According to media sources, major disruptions to medical services are not anticipated as doctors who work in essential fields such as intensive care units, surgery, and emergency rooms, will reportedly continue to be on normal duty. Some disruption should be accounted for and medical appointments should be confirmed. Associated protests have not been announced, however, likely gathering points include hospitals and medical facilities.

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.