Originally slated to increase medical school enrollment by 2,000 in 2026, the government now appears more open to revisiting this figure. This development comes amid growing pressure from the medical community, including ongoing strikes by trainee doctors, and some within the ruling People Power Party to reduce the quota.
Trainee doctors have staged protests and strikes in recent months, citing concerns about the potential oversupply of doctors and the impact on their future job prospects. They argue that a significant increase in medical school enrollment could lead to a glut of doctors, driving down salaries and making it difficult for them to find stable employment.
To address the issue, the government and ruling party have proposed forming a joint consultative body with the opposition and medical representatives to discuss the matter and seek input from the medical community.
Presidential aides have indicated that they are open to adjusting the quota and believe that a comprehensive review is possible. The government's willingness to compromise could mark a significant step towards resolving a long-standing dispute with medical professionals over the appropriate number of medical school graduates.
The proposed consultative body will bring together representatives from the government, ruling party, opposition parties, and the medical community to discuss the issue and explore potential solutions. The government hopes that the dialogue will help to bridge the divide between the two sides and reach a mutually agreeable outcome.
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