Handuksoo "Medical Reform Must Reflect Residents' Voices"

First Meeting of Ruling and Opposition Council Emphasizes Reform Commitment
"Unprecedented 30 Trillion Won Investment Plan Over 5 Years"

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo emphasized that the government's medical reform is not simply about increasing the number of doctors, but that the voices of residents should be reflected in actual medical policies.

At the first meeting of the ruling and opposition parties, medical professionals, and government consultative body held at the National Assembly on the 11th, Prime Minister Han stated, "Medical reform is by no means just about increasing the number of doctors," adding, "It is a comprehensive plan to change the structure and paradigm of our healthcare, and the government's will to protect the people and create a sustainable, high-quality medical system."

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo is speaking at the first meeting of the 'Ruling and Opposition Parliamentary Consultative Body' held at the National Assembly on the 11th. Photo by Kim Hyun-min

He said, "The government plans to invest an unprecedented budget of 30 trillion won in total, including 10 trillion won of national finances over the next five years," adding, "We will reflect the requests of the medical community so far to improve the unreasonable fee structure and establish a sufficient and fair compensation system to strengthen essential medical care." He continued, "We will innovate the medical supply system centered on functions, such as supporting the structural transformation of tertiary general hospitals, and foster regional base hospitals and regional general hospitals so that high-level medical services can be received even in local areas."

In particular, he emphasized, "We will also significantly improve the training environment for residents, who are the future and asset of our healthcare, so that they can receive proper training in a normal environment and be treated fairly, providing policy support," and added, "It is absolutely necessary that the voices of residents are actually reflected in medical policies during this process."

He repeatedly urged the participation of the medical community. Prime Minister Han said, "Medical reform absolutely requires the opinions of those who know the medical system best and are active in the field," and "I expect that we will narrow down different views to achieve the same goal and seek reasonable alternatives."