President Lee instructs education ministry to follow up on medical students’ return to school

President Lee Jae Myung welcomed medical students’ decision to return to school and instructed the Ministry of Education to work out follow-up measures.

“Fortunately, medical students have decided to return to their studies,” President Lee said at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday. “I hope that medical students will also think deeply about their social responsibilities as prospective medical professionals responsible for the health and lives of the people.”

Lee said he wanted the education authorities to take necessary follow-up measures swiftly. Relevant agencies should also closely examine the gaps in regional, essential, and emergency medical care, which are public goods, and take complementary measures to address these gaps, he added.

"We lack social dialogue. It is difficult to blame one side, I hope that from now on, dialogue will be facilitated in all areas,” he said. “Policymakers should communicate closely with medical professionals."

The ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) emphasized the need for thorough follow-up steps to ensure that medical education programs are not curtailed or the quality of education is not reduced.

“It is significant that medical students have declared their return to the classroom 17 months after the government-doctor conflict,” said Rep. Jin Sung-joon, the DPK’s chief policymaker, at a party meeting. "It is the beginning of the restoration of broken trust. We hope this will be the first step in the normalization of education."

“Challenges remain after the return of medical students,” Rep. Jin said. "There are concerns that the curriculum will be significantly curtailed. We hope that education authorities will thoroughly plan for supplementary classes to avoid concerns that the number of school days is insufficient or that the level and quality of education have declined."

“In the process, there should be no reverse discrimination or lack of equity for students who have already returned and are attending classes,” Jin emphasized. “We will also continue efforts for the return of trainee doctors through dialogue.”