Won Hee-ryong: "We will secure temporary COVID-19 wards even by remodeling public buildings"

People Power Party's COVID-19 Response System Reform Pledge
Renovation of National Medical Center into Dedicated Patient Hospital
Expansion of Outpatient Care for Asymptomatic COVID-19 Patients
Installation and Operation of Virus Reduction Devices

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] The People Power Party promised on the 8th that the government will take responsibility for COVID-19 hospital beds. They also revealed plans to establish a medical system that allows early treatment by expanding outpatient care for asymptomatic COVID-19 patients.

On the same day, Won Hee-ryong, head of the People Power Party’s Central Election Committee Policy Headquarters, pledged to reform the medical response system related to COVID-19 during a press conference at the National Assembly. Won stated, "Rapidly increasing confirmed cases are being neglected, and severe patients are unable to receive treatment," adding, "We must overcome this situation with extraordinary resolve and determination."

He announced that if Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party’s presidential candidate, comes to power, the COVID-19 medical response system will be completely overhauled.

Won said, "To secure hospital beds, we will convert public medical institutions into dedicated hospitals and establish emergency temporary wards," adding, "We will swiftly convert the National Medical Center and others into dedicated intensive care hospitals and deploy all available beds." He also stated, "Other public medical institutions will strengthen their functions as infectious disease dedicated hospitals," and "To prepare for the anticipated shortage of specialized wards, we will secure beds by remodeling public buildings or constructing emergency temporary wards, even if it requires using contingency funds."

He also promised to reform the medical system to prioritize home treatment for asymptomatic mild patients. Won said, "It is irresponsible to push patients into home treatment without a single doctor's diagnosis," and "Elderly patients with chronic diseases must receive inpatient treatment even if their symptoms are mild." Furthermore, he said, "For asymptomatic and healthy adults, we will normalize the medical system by expanding COVID-19 outpatient treatment at frontline clinics and private medical institutions to enable early treatment."

Regarding patient transport systems, he said, "We will fully expand and reform the COVID-19 patient transport system, including private cars," and added, "Depriving patients of transportation options other than ambulances is an irresponsible policy that does not reflect current realities."

Additionally, he announced support for the installation and operation of indoor virus reduction devices. Won introduced, "We will distribute and install HEPA filter air purifiers and sterilizers, as well as external air circulators, in elderly care facilities, student learning spaces, self-employed businesses, and small business owners." After the press conference, Won told reporters, "For essential institutions, the full cost will be covered by national funds, while self-employed individuals will bear 50% of the cost, and through nationwide distribution and operation, we aim to reduce infections themselves and harmonize the right to learn, emergency care, and business rights."