FAIRER DISTRIBUTION OF DOCTORS
Observers said there is also a need to ensure more balance in the distribution of doctors in different locations and across specialisations.
Pay in some critical fields – including emergency, life-saving surgeries and specialist care – is far lower compared with non-essential but high-paying fields like cosmetic and aesthetic procedures.
The disparity in compensation and infrastructure between urban and rural areas also means doctors are mostly flocking to lucrative roles in bigger cities, leaving parts of the country in desperate need of physicians.
“An increase in the supply of doctors cannot automatically guarantee solving the inequity issues,” Prof Kwon said.
“However, without increasing the supply of doctors, the inequities can never be resolved.”
Meanwhile, effects of the walkout have also spilled over to other sectors within the healthcare industry.
Nursing graduate Ashley Kim was offered a job as a nurse at one of South Korea’s largest hospitals when she completed her studies in February.
However, the 24-year-old has been left in limbo as hospitals delay new hires due to the ongoing strike.
“Initially, I was excited after learning that I got the job, but now I am just waiting without knowing when I can start and so I am feeling anxious,” she told CNA, adding she hopes the doctors will return to work soon.
