Seven of Nine Pediatric Emergency Doctors at Ajou University Hospital Resign... Critical Shortage in Essential Healthcare in Southern Gyeonggi

An emergency situation has gripped the pediatric emergency medical system in southern Gyeonggi as seven of nine specialist physicians at Ajou University Hospital's Pediatric Specialized Emergency Medical Center, which faced a controversy over a police search and seizure, have reportedly decided to resign.

At a comprehensive parliamentary audit by the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee on the 27th, Rep. Han Ji-a of the People Power Party disclosed a call with the director of Ajou University Hospital's Pediatric Specialized Emergency Medical Center, stating, "Seven professors have decided to resign after today's parliamentary hearing."

Rep. Han said that when she tried to dissuade the center director from resigning, he responded, "My hands are trembling—I cannot provide treatment under that police jurisdiction."

At the audit, Hahm Young-wook, head of the Gyeonggi Southern Police Agency's Major Crime Investigation Unit, who directed the search and seizure at Ajou University Hospital's pediatric emergency center on the 30th of last month, appeared as a witness.

Lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties questioned whether the forced search method was appropriate for a medical facility treating emergency patients and demanded an apology, but Director Hahm repeatedly stated, "I regret it."

Director Hahm explained that police had conducted prior consultations with hospital officials and conducted the necessary minimum search and seizure in treatment rooms where patients were absent. He also maintained the existing position that there was no disruption to treatment.

Rep. Han, meanwhile, conveyed the medical staff's claims that police actually disrupted treatment by requesting medical personnel to vacate their seats, and that a hospital legal team employee did not accompany the operation.

The incident began in July when an infant transported in cardiac arrest died despite cardiopulmonary resuscitation by medical staff, after which the family claimed medical malpractice and filed a complaint. During the investigation, police conducted the search and seizure of the pediatric emergency center on the 30th of last month, and the medical community has since opposed the forced search method.

The concern is that the exodus of medical staff could lead to an actual halt in treatment.

Ajou University Hospital's Pediatric Specialized Emergency Medical Center is a key pediatric emergency medical institution in southern Gyeonggi that opened in December 2024. It has 14 dedicated beds, provides 24-hour care for severe pediatric patients, and recorded the nation's top treatment results for severe patients in the first half of 2025.

It was previously reported that one specialist physician from Ajou University Hospital submitted a resignation letter on the 19th, and specialists from other pediatric emergency medical institutions have also expressed intentions to resign, showing signs of medical staff exodus.

If seven of the nine specialists currently working actually leave the hospital, it may be difficult to maintain the existing 24-hour treatment system.

Lawmakers from both parties have also urged action on countermeasures.

Rep. Huh Jong-sik of the Democratic Party said, "This really cannot continue," emphasizing the need for action, and Rep. Kim Gyo-hung of the same party demanded that the Ministry of Health and Welfare meet with the police and Ajou University Hospital to prepare solutions as soon as possible.

Rep. Han demanded parliamentary measures, asking, "We cannot allow Ajou University Hospital's pediatric emergency medical center to close, can we?"

In response, Health and Welfare Minister Chung Eun-kyung answered, "I will consult further with the police." Lee Man-hee, chair of the Health and Welfare Committee, also stated, "After understanding the circumstances of the case and consulting with floor leaders from both parties, I will prepare countermeasures at the committee level."