Health ministry asks for probe into major doctors' group over planned walkout
A hospital employee stands in front of kiosks in an empty waiting area at Seoul National University, June 17. Yonhap
The health ministry referred a major lobby group for doctors to the antitrust regulator Monday for a probe into allegedly forcing community doctors and other medical staff to join this week's planned walkout against the government's medical reform plan, officials said.
The Korean Medical Association (KMA) has decided to hold a one-day strike Tuesday, which could involve community doctors and medical professors, sparking concerns over further disruptions to the country's medical system, which is already reeling from the prolonged walkout by trainee doctors that began in February.
In response, the health ministry reported the association to the Fair Trade Commission (FTC) for investigations as it allegedly has mobilized community doctors to take part in the collective action in violation of the fair trade law, the officials of the medical community said.
Under the law, business associations are banned from unfairly interrupting the business activities of its members or restricting competition.
Any violation is subject to up to a fine of 1 billion won ($724,300) for the organization. Organization chiefs or other individuals in charge can face up to 200 million won in fines or three years in prison.
"We are reviewing the case thoroughly to see if the group has forced individual members to suspend hospital operations," an FTC official said.
On Monday, medical professors at hospitals affiliated with Seoul National University (SNU) began an indefinite walkout in support of the ongoing strike by junior doctors protesting the government's increase of the medical school admissions quota to address the shortage of doctors in the country. (Yonhap)