Seoul, South Korea – A revised plan concerning medical school recruitment in South korea has ignited a firestorm of debate, drawing starkly contrasting reactions from the medical community and patient advocacy groups.

Medical Community’s Response: A Step Back in the Right Direction

The Korean Medical Association (KMA) has expressed cautious optimism regarding the Ministry of Education’s decision to revert the 2026 medical school enrollment quota to 3,058, effectively maintaining the current level of reinforcement. Kim Sung-geun, a spokesman for the KMA, stated in a briefing on the 17th, It is considered to have taken a step back to the top.

However, the KMA also raised concerns about the long-term viability of the plan, given the limited time remaining in the current administration’s term. The current government has a lack of power to continue these projects, Kim said, questioning whether the initiative can be properly sustained.

Patient Groups’ Fury: A Betrayal of Trust

In stark contrast,patient groups have reacted with outrage,accusing the government of succumbing to pressure from the medical establishment. The Korea Federation of Patient Groups issued a statement condemning the decision to freeze medical school recruitment, asserting, It is no different from the betrayal act that overturns the fundamental direction of medical personnel and medical reforms that the government promised in front of the people and patients.

Echoing this sentiment, the Korea Severe Disease Federation, representing patients with severe illnesses, denounced the adjusted recruitment plan for 2026 as a national fraudulent drama, urging the Ministry of Education to reconsider its position.

The Future of Medical School Admissions: A Contentious Committee

Looking ahead, the determination of medical school enrollment numbers from 2027 onward will fall under the purview of the Medical Human Resources Supply and Substitution Committee (Female Committee), as mandated by the Act on the Law of the framework Act on Health and Medicine, which recently passed the National Assembly. However, the KMA has expressed reservations about this committee. Kim stated,there are many parts that are challenging to agree because the laws made this time are very different.

Major Doctors’ Return Uncertain

The ongoing dispute has also impacted the return of major (intern, resident) doctors who left training hospitals in Febuary of last year. One resigning major stated, Changes in the recruitment of medical schools are good, but it is not a factor that will return to a training hospital. A professor at a training hospital added, The government has destroyed the principles that he suggested. The majors will demand more.

With recruitment for major positions typically occurring twice a year,the possibility of these doctors returning to hospitals by September remains uncertain,unless the government offers specific training incentives. An official from the Ministry of Health and Welfare clarified, There is no plan to recruit additional doctors before recruiting in the second half.