South Korean doctors strike as coronavirus cases spike

South Korean Health Minister Park Neung-hoo on Wednesday warned doctors that they could face prison if they do not return to work.

A strike by doctors comes as South Korea grapples with one of its worst outbreaks of COVID-19, with 320 cases reported in a 24-hour period.

Doctors complain that a government plan to increase the number of medical students is ill-conceived. The walkouts forced several major general hospitals to limit hours and cancel surgeries.

Doctors say the plan would flood a market that is already competitive — and that the money should be used to improve salaries.

"The government now has no choice but to take necessary legal actions such as an order to open business to not put the citizens' lives and safety in danger," Minister Park said in a briefing. "We urge all trainee and fellow doctors to immediately return to work."

He warned that medics who did not return could have their licenses suspended or revoked, or even face a prison term of up to three years.

Both the Korean Medical Association and the Korean Intern Resident Association have rejected several government offers.