Doctors' walkout in South Korea leads to health alert upgrade to 'severe'.

On Friday, South Korea raised its health alert to the highest level after a mass walkout by trainee doctors this week, and the prime minister announced that public hospitals would extend working hours to address the growing strains on the medical system.

Nearly two-thirds of the country's young doctors have quit their jobs in protest of a government plan to increase the number of medical school students, resulting in hospitals being forced to turn away patients and cancel procedures, and raising concerns about the potential for further disruptions to the medical system if the dispute continues.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stated at the disaster management meeting that the operation of public medical institutions will be elevated to the highest level.

He announced that public hospitals will increase their operating hours and open on weekends and holidays.

The health ministry stated that more than 8,400 doctors have joined the walkout, which is equivalent to about 64% of the entire number of resident and intern doctors in South Korea.

Trainee doctors make up a significant portion of the staff at teaching hospitals, with some cases accounting for more than 40% of the overall staff, and they play a crucial role in the daily operations.

In emergency rooms, intensive care units, and operating rooms at large hospitals, trainee doctors play a particularly important role, as these hospitals receive patients referred to them by secondary hospitals and private practice clinics. Due to cost reasons, larger hospitals heavily rely on trainee doctors.

From "cautious" to "severe," the government raised its health alert due to the increasing pressure on hospitals as of Friday.

Since this week, trainee doctors in South Korea's largest hospitals have been leaving their jobs in protest against the government's plan, putting pressure on emergency departments.

The physicians participating in the demonstration assert that the main concern is compensation and work environment, rather than the total number of doctors.

Despite not participating in the walkout, senior doctors and members of the Korean Medical Association held rallies to demand the government scrap its plan.

A large rally is expected in Seoul on Sunday.

The prime minister once again urged young doctors not to make a poor decision that would damage the reputation they had gained during the pandemic, which had honored their commitment and sacrifice.

He urged the medical community to stop pressuring young doctors and stated that the government is always willing to engage in dialogue.

A recent Gallup Korea poll revealed that about 76% of respondents, regardless of political affiliation, support the government's plan to increase medical school admissions.