KMA head faces no-confidence motion over mishandling of medical issues

A no-confidence (impeachment) motion is being pushed against Lim Hyun-taek, president of the Korean Medical Association (KMA), the nation’s largest group of medical doctors.

The no-confidence motion is filed because Lim is not properly responding to medical issues, including the medical school enrollment quota increase and the enactment of the nursing law.

On Wednesday, two KMA delegates—Cho Wook and Cho Geun representing Gyeonggi Province and Busan—began collecting approvals for the no-confidence petition from the entire membership, claiming that Lim had “violated the important rights and interests of members and defamed the association.”

The no-confidence motion comes four months after Lim took office

The petition cites the failure to prevent the enactment of the Nursing Act, the failure to block the increase of the medical school enrollment quota for the class of 2025, and the implementation of the sliding scale system. They also claimed that Lim had significantly damaged the association's reputation by calling for an indefinite collective leave of absence and a movement to oust the Yoon Suk Yeol administration.

Once the requirements for a no-confidence motion are met, the two delegates plan to submit the motion to the delegate assembly by Sept. 27.

According to the association's bylaws, a motion of no confidence in the KMA president can be moved by at least one-quarter of the members or one-third of the delegates in good standing. Voting rights are reserved for delegates. At the extraordinary general meeting of delegates convened for the motion of no confidence, the motion is passed if at least two-thirds of the delegates are present and two-thirds vote in favor.

“Since the beginning of Lim's term in May, the KMA has failed to respond properly to the expansion of medical students, the essential healthcare policy package, the non-reimbursement reporting system, the 2025 fee negotiation, and the enactment of the Nursing Act,” the two delegates said. “Instead of helping resigned trainee doctors and medical students on leave who are united in their struggle, Lim has created division by putting forward unspecified people, just as the government has created healthcare policies with the help of pro-government scholars.”

As a candidate for the KMA presidency just six months ago, and since his election, Lim has failed to follow through on his promises of a self-professed ‘prepared president,’” they said. “Lim has passed the shame on to KMA members.”

“We want to hear the opinions of relevant members even if they don't have the right to vote, so please sign the petition,” they said. “Even if the requirements are unmet, we will disclose the results to let the members know what they want.”

Lim has also been pressured to step down from junior doctors and medical students.

Park Dan, head of the Korean Intern Resident Association emergency committee, wrote to Lim on March 11, saying, “What are you doing other than mentioning trainee doctors and medical students? If you still don't know what is important, I recommend that you consider resigning.”

The Korean Medical Student Association also criticized Lim.

“KMA President Lim's rude remarks undermined the medical profession's status and undermined students' voices. Don't try to represent the medical profession arbitrarily,” the association said.