KMA apologizes to public for hardships, vows to restore healthcare system < Hospital < Article

The Korean Medical Association (KMA) emphasized that policy dialogue to normalize medical education and training must proceed more swiftly and broadly.

Expressing “regret” over worsening public sentiment due to prolonged government-doctor conflict and controversies over special treatment for medical students and residents, it pledged to do its utmost to restore normalcy in healthcare.

At its regular briefing on Thursday, the nation’s largest doctors’ group stated it “hopes for a swift response” from the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Health and Welfare regarding the formation of a (tentatively named) “Medical Education Consultative Body,” proposed by the Korean Council on Medical Education to address the return of medical students and residents.

The council, comprising the KMA and the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences, requested the formation of this consultative body to normalize education, as endorsed by the government and the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee and Education Committee, on Wednesday last week.

“As the medical crisis, which has lasted for a year and six months, shows signs of resolution, medical students and residents are returning. The most crucial aspect during this return process is ensuring the quality of education and training,” KMA President Kim Taek-woo said. “While the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s training consultative body is currently discussing related matters, we hope a forum where (the government and the KMA, among others) can jointly discuss areas requiring internal deliberation will be opened promptly.”

Kim reiterated his request for people’s understanding regarding the patient inconvenience and public anxiety caused by the prolonged medical-political conflict.

“I deeply regret and am also grateful to the public who endured hardship alongside (the medical community) for such a long time,” Kim said. The KMA head previously apologized twice, stating, “I repeatedly apologize for the pain felt by the public. Please warmly welcome the medical students and residents back,” prior to announcing the “Declaration of Full Return of All Medical Students” on July 12.

He acknowledged that public opinion remains critical even after the return of medical students and residents.

KMA Spokesperson Kim Seong-geun also said, “Regardless of the reasons, the entire medical community feels deeply sorry for causing inconvenience and hardship to patients. This sentiment is shared equally by doctors who remained at hospitals and those who left.”

Citing that many medical organizations, including the Korea Intern Resident Association, have promised the public that they will not forget the pain endured and will build a better healthcare system, Kim asked for people’s patience and continued support.

“We fully understand the strong expressions and feelings directed at the medical community. It seems more time is needed,” Kim said. “The subsequent rebuilding of the medical system will be our response to those feelings. We will strive even harder to revive the medical system.”