South Korean doctors stage strike to oppose government's proposal to increase number of physicians

South Korea's government has issued an order for more than 1,000 junior doctors to end their walk-outs and return to work. The doctors had staged protests against plans to increase the number of doctors in the healthcare system. Over 6,000 interns and residents had resigned in response to the proposed increase in medical school placements. The government's aim to add more doctors to improve the country's low doctor-per-patient ratio has been met with opposition from doctors who fear increased competition. South Korea has a predominantly private healthcare system, with more than 90% of hospitals being private. The proposal to increase the number of doctors is seen by many as a threat to their income. Junior doctors, who are at the beginning of their careers, are particularly concerned about the policy. The strike has led to concerns about the impact on the healthcare system, with hospitals implementing emergency plans. The protest was initiated by 2,700 junior doctors, who make up a significant proportion of the doctors in the top five hospitals and play a crucial role in the emergency wards. There are concerns that the strike could escalate into a larger movement, as leading representatives groups in the industry have endorsed the protest actions. It is worth noting that doctors in South Korea are already among the highest earners globally, with an average annual salary of nearly $200,000.