South Korea’s Medical Schools Gain Autonomy to Set Admission Quotas: Compromise Reached Amidst Strike by Resident Doctors

The South Korean government has announced that medical schools will have the autonomy to set their own admission quotas starting next year, in an effort to resolve tensions in the medical field. This decision was made after a government meeting on April 19, aimed at ending a prolonged strike by over 9,000 resident doctors.

The government has agreed to allow 32 universities to increase their enrollment targets flexibly, with annual increases ranging from 50% to 100%, starting in 2025. This decision aligns with the proposal put forward by six national medical schools seeking to reduce enrollment targets by 50% next year due to concerns about inadequate training facilities.

Prime Minister Han described the decision as a step towards finding a compromise amidst a lack of consensus in the medical community. He emphasized the importance of protecting medical students, normalizing education, and resolving conflicts that have arisen.

The strike by over 9,000 resident doctors had caused disruptions in medical services across the country, with the crisis escalating as medical students and professors also joined the protest. The government responded by revoking practice licenses and considering criminal sanctions against striking doctors.

The core issue of the strike was the government’s plan to increase the number of medical school students, which protestors believed would compromise the quality of care and increase healthcare costs for patients. However, increasing targets is essential for addressing demographic challenges faced by South Korea, such as an aging population and a shortage of doctors in crucial sectors. With nearly 30% of South Korea’s population projected to be aged 65 years or older by 2035, there is a growing demand for medical services and addressing this shortage remains a pressing issue.