South Korean Health Minister Cho Kyoo-hong said on Monday there was no change in government principles against "illegal" work actions carried out by interns, warning the government would initiate legal measures to punish those who violated orders to return to work.
Thousands of prospective doctors remain out of work on Monday, marking the 14th straight day of the strike, protesting plans to add 2,000 medical school seats starting next year, from the current 3,058 seats.
"The government remains steadfast in principle against illegal collective actions carried out by doctors who are still interns," Minister Cho said at a briefing, also expressing his regret for the doctors' demonstrations.
"Starting Monday, health authorities will start an on-site investigation, to determine whether an intern has returned to work and is taking action under law and principle, without exception, otherwise," he explained.
Around 9,000 interns and residents, who played an important role in assisting operations and emergency services at major public hospitals, continue to carry out collective labor actions, leading to mass cancellations to postponing operations and emergency medical care.
The government gave doctors time to protest until last Thursday to return to work, warning that non-compliance could result in punitive action, including criminal penalties or the revocation of their doctor's permission.
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So far, the warning has not been much obeyed by doctors who went on mass strike to return to work.
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