Statement in Support of Korean Junior Doctors

Statement in Support of Korean Junior Doctors from the
Junior Doctors Network (JDN)
The Junior Doctors Network (JDN) of the World Medical Association (WMA), stands in solidarity with
the junior doctors of South Korea during these challenging times. Our commitment is to uphold the
dignity, rights, and welfare of all physicians across the globe, and it is within this nature that we issue
the following statement.
The World Medical Association has long recognized the right of doctors to engage in collective action,
including strikes, as a legitimate means to advocate for better working conditions, patient care, and
the overall health of the communities they serve. The WMA’s Statement on the Ethical Implications
of Collective Action by Physicians outlines the ethical framework within which such actions should be
undertaken, emphasizing the balance between physicians’ duties to their patients and their rights as
professionals and employees.
Additionally, the World Health Organization and its member states have adopted the Global Health
and Care Workers Compact outlining a robust legal framework to protect Health Professionals,
ensuring decent working conditions, enabling work environments and affirming their right to
collective action and association.
The current situation in South Korea, marked by the significant collective action of thousands of
junior doctors, underscores a deep and unresolved conflict between the medical fraternity and
government policies. The proposed increase in medical student quotas, while intended to address a
shortage of doctors, has not been met with consensus and is perceived as a measure that seeks to
undermine the quality of medical education and health services delivery rather than enhancing it.
Furthermore, we note with much discomposure, the punitive actions taken by local authorities
against protesting doctors, including but not limited to threats of legal action and suspension of their
medical licenses. These actions we vehemently decry, understanding that they can only serve to
exacerbate tensions and hinder processes that aim to resolve this conflict amicably and
constructively. Such measures not only undermine the principles of democratic engagement and
freedom of expression but also pose a significant threat to the stability and resilience of the
healthcare system.
With the aforementioned considered, the Junior Doctors Network:
1. Expresses support for the Junior Doctors of South Korea in their right to collective action
aimed at advocating for their professional rights, improved working conditions, and the
improvement of healthcare delivery systems.
2. Calls upon the Korean Government to immediately cease punitive actions against medical
professionals engaging in collective action and to engage in open, transparent, and
constructive dialogue with representatives of the medical community to address the
underlying concerts at hand.
3. Recommends that any resolution(s) passed/taken, acknowledges the critical importance of
maintaining high standards in medical education and healthcare delivery, ensuring that the
workforce is adequately supported to meet the current and future demands of the
healthcare sector holistically, together with health needs of the population.
The Junior Doctors Network remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of junior
doctors worldwide and calls for a resolution to the situation in South Korea that honors the principles
of justice, equity, and mutual respect.
About the World Medical Association Junior Doctors Network (WMA JDN)
The Junior Doctors Network (JDN) serves as an international platform for junior doctors to facilitate
an open dialogue of global events and activities that are relevant to their postgraduate training and
the World Medical Association (WMA). Its mission is to empower young physicians to work together
towards a healthier world through advocacy, education, and international collaboration. You can
learn more about the WMA JDN here or contact us on chair.jdn@wma.net