But the Medical Professors Association of Korea said on Tuesday that the senior doctors were working hard to help hospitals provide essential services in the face of the work stoppages.
The professors are “hoping for a quick end” to the conflict, it said, but warned that unless the government came to the table “unconditionally” for talks, more doctors might join the work stoppages.
Seoul has mobilised military medics and millions of dollars in state reserves to ease the situation.
The government is pushing to admit 2,000 more students to medical schools annually from next year to address what it calls one of the lowest doctor-to-population ratios among developed nations.
Doctors say they fear the reform will erode the quality of service and medical education, but proponents accuse medics of trying to safeguard their salaries and social status.
Under South Korean law, doctors are restricted from striking, and the health ministry has asked police to investigate people connected to the work stoppage.
The plan enjoys broad public support, but a new poll by local media found 34 percent of people wanted the government to negotiate to end the standoff.
Source: CNA
