Prosecution to take stern action on doctors

The Seoul Prosecutors Office has decided to take stern legal action against Lee Joon-Koo and Choi Jong-Hyun, the joint chairmen of a national temporary doctors¡¯ association, as well as other officials, if specialists working at some 30 university hospitals go on strike on August 7.

A prosecution official remarked that as a walkout by the specialists, who are basically responsible for the treatment of patients at general hospitals, would cause significant inconvenience to citizens, leaders of the movement will be dealt with harshly if a strike takes place.

A warrant for the arrest of Hong Sung-Joo, a high level official of the Korea Medical Association, was requested on charges that he led the doctors¡¯ walkout.

The number of doctors being pursued by the prosecution has now increased to 8, including Shin Sang-Jin.