세계의사회 "韓 의대증원 근거 없어…강압적 조치 중단하라"
의대증원 일방 강행 한국 정부 비판…"의사 집단행동은 보편적 권리"
기사입력시간 2024-03-02 08:33
최종업데이트
2024-03-02 08:40
[메디게이트뉴스 박민식 기자] 세계의사회(WMA)가 한국 정부의 의대정원 2000명 증원을 비판하며, 의료계에 대한 강경 대응을 중단할 것을 촉구했다.
세계의사회는 1일 성명서를 통해 “대한민국 정부가 촉발한 전례 없는 위기 상황 속에서 대한의사협회(의협)의 진정성과 의사의 권리를 수호하겠다는 의지를 지지한다”며 “한국 정부의 일방적인 의대정원 대폭 증원 결정은 충분한 근거 없이 이뤄졌으며 의료계에 큰 혼란을 초래했다”고 했다.
이어 “WMA는 지속적으로 한국의 상황을 면밀히 모니터링해 왔다. 의협은 의사들이 정책에 저항한다는 정부의 주장에 대해 전문가 집단과의 충분한 협의와 합의가 부족한 데 따른 것이라고 본다”고 덧붙였다.
세계의사회는 “집단행동 권리는 보편적이며, 의사의 집단행동과 관련해서는 환자 안전을 최우선으로 보장하기 위한 지침이 마련돼 있다”며 “한국 정부의 조치는 오랜 근무시간과 낮은 급여, 잘못된 정보로 인한 언론의 부정적 묘사로 번아웃에 직면해 있는 전공의들의 가혹한 현실을 무시하고 있다”고 지적했다.
그러면서 “의대생과 젊은 의사들을 포함한 의사들은 민주주의에 근거한 법률과 헌법의 테두리 안에서 평화롭게 자신의 권리를 행사하고 있다”며 “개인 사직을 막고 의대생들의 권리를 제한하려는 정부의 시도는 잠재적인 인권 침해로, 위험한 선례를 남길 것”이라고 했다.
세계의사회 Lujain Al-Qodmani 회장은 “한국 정부가 조치 재고하고 의료계에 대한 강압적인 조치를 중단할 것을 강력히 촉구한다”며 “정의, 인권, 윤리적 의료의 원칙은 협력적인 접근이 필요하다. 문제의 해결을 위해서는 의사의 권리를 존중해야 하며 의료 전문가와 환자 모두의 안녕을 보장해야 한다”라고 했다.
세계의사회(WMA) 성명서 [전문]
WORLD MEDICAL ASSOCIATION STANDS FIRM IN SUPPORT OF KOREAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AMID GOVERNMENT-INDUCED CRISIS
The World Medical Association (WMA) reaffirms its commitment to defending the integrity of the Korean Medical Association (KMA) and the rights of its physicians in the face of an unprecedented government-led crisis. The government’s unilateral decision to drastically increase medical student admissions, implemented without clear evidence, has led to turmoil in the medical community.
WMA has been closely monitoring the situation in Korea, receiving constant updates. KMA views the government’s claims about physicians resisting policies as lacking sufficient consultation and consensus with expert groups. The right to collective action is universal, and guidelines are in place to ensure patient safety remains paramount during any collective action taken by physicians. Actions taken by the government are ignoring the harsh reality of medical interns and residents, facing constant burn out due to long working hours, low salaries and a negative portrayal in the media led by misinformation.
Physicians, including medical students and young doctors, are peacefully practicing their rights within the boundaries of democratic law and constitution. The government’s attempts to prevent personal resignations and restrict conditions of school admissions are viewed as potential violations of human rights, setting a dangerous precedent in the country.
“I strongly urge the Korean government to reconsider its actions and cease the forceful measures imposed on the medical community. The principles of justice, human rights, and ethical healthcare demand a collaborative approach. A resolution should respect the rights of physicians and ensures the well-being of both medical professionals and the patients they serve.”, said WMA President, Dr. Lujain Al-Qodmani.
WORLD MEDICAL ASSOCIATION STANDS FIRM IN SUPPORT OF KOREAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AMID GOVERNMENT-INDUCED CRISIS
The World Medical Association (WMA) reaffirms its commitment to defending the integrity of the Korean Medical Association (KMA) and the rights of its physicians in the face of an unprecedented government-led crisis. The government’s unilateral decision to drastically increase medical student admissions, implemented without clear evidence, has led to turmoil in the medical community.
WMA has been closely monitoring the situation in Korea, receiving constant updates. KMA views the government’s claims about physicians resisting policies as lacking sufficient consultation and consensus with expert groups. The right to collective action is universal, and guidelines are in place to ensure patient safety remains paramount during any collective action taken by physicians. Actions taken by the government are ignoring the harsh reality of medical interns and residents, facing constant burn out due to long working hours, low salaries and a negative portrayal in the media led by misinformation.
Physicians, including medical students and young doctors, are peacefully practicing their rights within the boundaries of democratic law and constitution. The government’s attempts to prevent personal resignations and restrict conditions of school admissions are viewed as potential violations of human rights, setting a dangerous precedent in the country.
“I strongly urge the Korean government to reconsider its actions and cease the forceful measures imposed on the medical community. The principles of justice, human rights, and ethical healthcare demand a collaborative approach. A resolution should respect the rights of physicians and ensures the well-being of both medical professionals and the patients they serve.”, said WMA President, Dr. Lujain Al-Qodmani.