Seoul, October 6 (IANS). The Education Ministry of the South Korean government, which is facing the wrath of medical students, said on Sunday that it will allow medical students to take leave temporarily, but conditionally. That is, he will return to school next year.
The decision comes after Seoul National University went on mass leave late last month in protest against the government’s medical reform plans. In fact, the government had planned to increase the quota in medical schools, which was largely opposed.
The ministry, on its part, clarified its stand saying that taking leave to show unity is not a valid reason, but still the government is taking some steps to run the education system smoothly.
However, the ministry issued a warning saying that students who do not return next year will face penalties. Failure to do so may result in expulsion.
Seoul National University approved about 96 percent of students’ leave applications for the spring semester on September 30. This means approximately 780 medical students have been granted leave for the next semester.
This decision has raised concerns that more universities may do so, which could lead to increased absenteeism among medical students.
A lobby of community doctors has demanded the government to reconsider the quota in the medical school entrance examination in 2025. With this conditional leave approval, the chances of ending the months-long strike of junior doctors seem to be almost over.
Korea Medical Association (KMA) spokesperson Choi Anna told reporters that the association will not join the government-formed committee until the government begins talks about possible changes to the medical school admissions 2025 quota.
Health Minister Cho Kyu-hong said it is impossible to reverse the increase in medical school admission quotas for next year, Yonhap news agency reported.
-IANS
MKS/KR