Amidst the ongoing protests against the government's decision to increase the annual number of students in medical schools, a couple expecting twins received distressing news from the hospital just a day before their scheduled cesarean section at Seoul National University Hospital. The sudden cancellation of their surgery due to collective action by doctors has left them in turmoil.

Mr. Lee (34), preparing for the arrival of their twins, was stunned by a phone call from the hospital on February 18 KST, informing him that the surgery would not proceed as planned due to staff shortages. Initially told it was feasible but with potential post-treatment issues, they were later instructed to seek surgery elsewhere due to urgent cases taking priority.

Expressing his frustration, Mr. Lee shared, "We meticulously prepared for months, only to be abruptly told to go elsewhere. The risks involved in twin cesarean surgery are immense, and the sudden change has left us anxious and distraught. Should we bear such consequences?"

Their experience mirrors numerous others shared in online communities, where individuals have faced unilateral surgery cancellations, causing chaos and uncertainty in their schedules.

The Korean Medical Resident Association's decision to collectively resign at major Seoul hospitals, including Seoul National University, Seoul Asan, Severance, Samsung Seoul, and Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, further exacerbates the situation. As a result, surgery schedules are being coordinated, impacting patients like Mr. and Mrs. Lee.

Despite government warnings and orders to resume work for resident doctors who resigned, the opposition to the government's policy persists. With the deadline for resignations looming, the possibility of further disruptions remains high, signaling a deepening medical vacancy crisis.