SEOUL: The government of South Korea issued a public order late on Friday, March 1, compelling 13 physicians—at least a few of whom have been vocal about a walkout by nearly 9,000 physicians over a plan to change the healthcare system—to report back to work or risk punishment.
The public legal notice follows local police raids on Friday, a public holiday in South Korea, targeting executives of a doctor’s association. This is the latest indication of the government’s persistent strong posture toward trainee doctors participating in the walkout or criticizing the reform proposal.
The health ministry ordered 13 doctors to return to work or risk having their licenses terminated or facing criminal charges. The ministry publicized the doctors’ license numbers and hospitals on its website.
The identities of the doctors were partially withheld. Still, at least a few seemed to be medical residents, including Park Dan, the head of the Korea Interns and Residents Association, who had been particularly outspoken in their criticism of the administration and throughout the strike.
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