[2024 National Audit] Director Jeong Gi-seok, "No End in Sight for Medical Crisis... Health Insurance Finance Deficit for a Certain Period"

"Recognizing 'Saving Finances as People Avoid Hospitals'"

Jung Ki-seok, the chairman of the National Health Insurance Service, stated that the medical gap crisis caused by the policy to increase the number of medical school students "shows no end in sight."

Jeong Gi-seok, Chairman of the National Health Insurance Service, is listening to a question from Baek Hye-ryeon, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, during the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee's audit on the 16th.
[Photo by National Assembly Broadcasting]

On the 16th, during the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee's audit, Chairman Jung responded to a question from Baek Hye-ryun, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, who asked, "The medical crisis has lasted for eight months and is escalating with no known end. When do you think it will be resolved?"

Rep. Baek asked, "If there is no end in sight, the National Health Insurance finances will continue to be drained. Do you think this is sustainable? According to the National Assembly Budget Office, the health insurance financial balance will turn to a deficit next year, and the reserves will be depleted by 2028. Do you agree with this?"

Chairman Jung replied, "It is predicted that the finances will turn to a deficit within a certain period, so we are monitoring it carefully."

Rep. Baek further asked, "By 2028, the reserves will be depleted. How long must the National Health Insurance Service bear the burden of the government's policy failures?" Chairman Jung responded, "We will make more proactive efforts to express our opinions going forward."

Rep. Park Hee-seung of the Democratic Party questioned, "Currently, emergency rooms are not functioning properly, and people hesitate to visit hospitals because they cannot receive proper treatment when sick. Could this be why the National Health Insurance finances are being saved significantly?"

Chairman Jung answered, "It is true that some savings are occurring."

There were also calls for actively presenting opinions on the problems and improvement measures regarding the government's medical reform process.

Rep. Nam In-soon of the Democratic Party criticized, "Have you ever presented opinions on the problems or improvement measures in the government's policy implementation process? As a medical professional, shouldn't you provide candid advice?"

In response, Chairman Jung said, "We have separate duties," and refrained from further comment.