Yoon says expanding workforce of doctors is 'task of times'

By Lee Haye-ah

SEOUL, Feb. 6 (Yonhap) -- President Yoon Suk Yeol called on the medical community Tuesday to cooperate with the government's plan to increase the annual medical school enrollment quota, saying the country's future depends on it.

Yoon issued the call during a Cabinet meeting at the presidential office, shortly before the health ministry was to announce the increase of a likely 1,500 to 2,000 from the current 3,058.

"Many people are experiencing inconveniences due to the shortage of doctors," Yoon said, citing estimates that an additional 15,000 doctors will be needed by 2035 to meet growing demand from a rapidly aging population and other factors.

"In order to protect the people's health and lives, expanding the workforce of doctors is a task of the times that cannot be delayed any longer," he said.

The plan has faced strong resistance from doctors' groups who argue the government should instead look for ways to better allocate physicians and boost their compensation.

hague@yna.co.kr
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