Ahn Cheol-soo Voices Support for Medical School Expansion: "1-Year Grace Period... Dismissal of Responsible Parties Inevitable"

"Need to Establish a Gradual Increase Policy" on Facebook

Ahn Cheol-soo, the People Power Party candidate elected in the 22nd general election, has called for a one-year suspension of the increase in medical school quotas and the dismissal of the policy official responsible.

Ahn Cheol-soo, the People Power Party candidate running for Bundang-gap in the 22nd National Assembly election, is seen rejoicing as his victory becomes certain on the morning of the 11th at the election office in Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the afternoon of the 11th, Ahn posted on his Facebook, "With the courage to be disliked in order to open the future of the Republic of Korea from the public's perspective, I cannot help but make this suggestion," adding, "The increase in medical school quotas should be suspended for one year and a phased increase policy should be established." He also stated, "Doctors should return to patients quickly, and the government must present plans for securing essential medical personnel and physician-scientists as prerequisites for the quota increase, laws for the development of local healthcare, adjustments to medical fees, and investment plans."

Ahn urged the dismissal of the person responsible for pushing the medical school quota increase. He said, "It is inevitable to dismiss the official who unilaterally pushed the medical school quota increase policy," and argued, "A medical reform consultative body composed of the government, doctors, patient associations, and international organizations should be given full authority without pre-setting numbers to scientifically and rationally conclude when and at what scale the increase should occur."

He also demanded the restoration of relations between the party and the government. Ahn stated, "I urge reflection from key party and government officials responsible for the election defeat and the establishment of constructive party-government relations," adding, "If the government implements policies or personnel appointments that are out of touch with public sentiment, the party should present better alternatives as a way to create synergy. This is what constructive party-government relations mean."