Seoul, November 10 (IANS). The Korean Medical Association has decided on Sunday to impeach its chief. The association blamed him for not being proactive in settling the long-running strike and other disputes of junior doctors.
During an emergency meeting of delegates, the Korean Medical Association (KMA) decided to impeach Lim Hyun Tak following a vote of confidence and approved the formation of an emergency committee, Yonhap news agency reported.
Lim took office in March, a month after thousands of trainee doctors began walking off their workplaces in protest against a government decision to increase the number of medical students over the next five years to address the doctor shortage. It was a matter. Junior doctors had gone on strike against the quota.
The tough chief has also faced criticism for making inappropriate comments on the current healthcare disruptions.
According to some officials, the impeachment is expected to lead to progress in negotiations between the government and the medical community. The KMA said it planned to hold a by-election to elect a new chief in 60 days.
Last month, the Education Ministry said it would allow medical students to take leave temporarily on the condition that they return to school next year.
The decision follows Seoul National University’s move late last month to approve leave requests submitted en masse in protest against the government’s medical reform plans.
Reaffirming its stand, the ministry said in a show of solidarity that taking leave is not a valid reason. His temporary measure is partly aimed at normalizing education.
However, it warns that students who do not return next year will face other penalties, including expulsion.
A group of community doctors has reiterated its demand for the government to reconsider the medical school admission quota, virtually dashing the prospects of resolving the months-long strike by junior doctors.
–IANS
MKS/KR
