Suncheon National University Announces Joint Cooperation for Medical School Establishment

Joint Declaration Announced by Jeonnam Province, Suncheon National University, and Mokpo National University on the 7th

Suncheon National University (President Lee Byung-woon) announced a joint declaration for the establishment of a national medical school in Jeollanam-do at the Jeonnam Provincial Office on the 7th, together with Jeollanam-do (Governor Kim Young-rok) and Mokpo National University (President Song Ha-cheol).

Amid active discussions by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on increasing the quota for medical schools, the joint declaration was made by Jeonnam Province and the two national universities to emphasize the necessity of establishing a national medical school to address the poor medical conditions in Jeonnam, the only region without a medical school, and to strengthen public healthcare.

[Photo by Suncheon National University]

The joint declaration explained that due to the absence of medical personnel training institutions and the underdeveloped medical environment in the region, not only local youth but also retirees are leaving Jeonnam. It also expressed concerns that the enormous education and medical expenses paid annually by local residents to the metropolitan area and large cities are hindering regional development.

Furthermore, the absence of a medical school in Jeonnam, home to 1.8 million citizens of the Republic of Korea, infringes on the residents' rights to life, health, and education, and accelerates regional extinction. Therefore, the ongoing discussions by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on increasing medical school quotas must include plans to establish a national medical school in Jeonnam.

Suncheon National University President Lee Byung-woon stated, “The establishment of a national medical school to train public healthcare personnel is essential to improve medical conditions for Jeonnam residents and prevent the outflow of manpower.” He added, “We will actively pursue attracting a medical school based on close cooperation with local governments.”

Meanwhile, through the announcement of the joint declaration, Jeonnam Province, Suncheon National University, and Mokpo National University declared that they will concentrate all their capabilities and actively cooperate with each other until a national medical school is established in the Jeonnam region.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seon-sik hss79@asiae.co.kr