[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] President Moon Jae-in stated that last year, the COVID-19 pandemic led to a renewed appreciation of the importance of nursing officers, and announced that under Defense Reform 2.0, support will be provided for the medical activities of nursing officers and military medical personnel. This marks the first time in history that a president has attended the graduation ceremony of the Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy.
On the 5th, at the 61st graduation and commissioning ceremony of the Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy located in Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, President Moon said in his congratulatory speech, "Last year, 2020, was a year in which we rediscovered the value of the Nursing Academy and nursing officers."
President Moon said, "At the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the 60th class cadets expedited their graduation to rush to the side of the suffering people, and donned protective suits with a resolute determination, saying, 'It is an honor to serve the people and the nation.' The public found hope in the proud resolve of these young nursing officers to overcome COVID-19."
He added, "Since the birth of the first nursing officer shortly after the establishment of the government in 1948, Korean nursing officers have always been by the side of the sick and wounded citizens and soldiers, from the front lines of fierce battles to the frontlines of quarantine efforts," praising their contributions at the Battle of Jangjin River and the Hungnam Port evacuation.
President Moon introduced, "The government will vigorously support military medical personnel, including nursing officers, to focus on their medical activities, centering on the reorganization of the military medical system under 'Defense Reform 2.0.' We have specialized military hospital functions into surgery concentration, mental health, outpatient care, convalescence, and health examinations, and have reallocated personnel and equipment."
He also announced plans to significantly expand medical equipment such as X-rays and dedicated medical evacuation helicopters, as well as medical equipment like negative pressure ambulances to proactively respond to infectious disease threats like COVID-19. Additionally, by 2025, the government plans to expand officer housing and accommodations, as well as military daycare centers and shared childcare facilities.
President Moon emphasized, "To ensure that female officers do not experience inconvenience, essential facilities for women will be installed in all units, and safe working conditions free from sexual violence will be established."
At the graduation ceremony, President Moon personally awarded rank insignia to all graduates. This is the first time in history that a president has attended the Korea Armed Forces Nursing Academy graduation and commissioning ceremony and personally awarded rank insignia to all commissioned officers. Among the 80 newly commissioned nursing officers wearing the second lieutenant insignia that day was Pattaraphon, a Thai cadet.
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