SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA — South Korean health authorities are intensifying preparations to address potential disruptions in medical services due to an impending strike by nurses and medical workers scheduled for later this week.
According to Yonhap News Agency, measures are being discussed to minimize public inconvenience and ensure the continuity of essential health services. The Korean Health and Medical Workers’ Union, representing approximately 30,000 members across 61 hospitals, has voted to strike this Thursday unless ongoing labor negotiations are resolved. The union is demanding better working conditions and has engaged in arbitration with the labor relations committee.
Officials at the meeting outlined plans to maintain critical health services, such as emergency care, intensive care units, and surgeries, which are legally required to continue during strikes. The government has pledged to work closely with local authorities to monitor the situation and ensure that essential services remain unaffected.
In preparation for the potential strike, the government will also bolster its 24-hour emergency medical system, particularly in public medical institutions not involved in the strike, to guarantee uninterrupted emergency care. This includes enhanced support for emergency centers to handle any surge in demand.