👨⚕️🩺 Who you gonna call when doctors are on strike? In South Korea, it's the military to the rescue! The government announced on Monday that they're deploying military doctors to support hospital emergency rooms facing staffing shortages. This comes as young doctors, including interns and residents, have gone on strike, putting significant pressure on the country's medical system.
But don't hit the panic button just yet! 🚨 Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo assured everyone that while some hospitals have reduced ER hours and are operating with fewer doctors, reports of major hospitals shutting down ER operations are inaccurate. \"There are some challenges in the emergency medical system, but it is not at risk of collapse,\" Park said during a briefing.
To keep things running smoothly, the government plans to initially send 15 military doctors to the most affected emergency rooms. Starting September 9, they'll rotate 235 military and community doctors through hospitals that need extra help. Teamwork makes the dream work! 🤝
However, not everyone is convinced. Earlier on Monday, the national association of medical school professors sounded the alarm, warning that many ERs aren't providing regular services and that the healthcare system's collapse has already begun.
This unfolding situation highlights the critical role healthcare professionals play and how governments respond in times of crisis. Stay tuned for more updates! 📰
Reference(s):
South Korea deploys military doctors amid medical staff shortage
cgtn.com
