<중대본> "Uijeop and Residents Requested to Join Ruling and Opposition Medical Policy Council"

"Review Medical Community Proposals with Sincerity"

The government has once again requested the Korea Medical Association and resigning residents to participate in the ruling and opposition party medical council.

Jung Yoon-soon, Director of Health and Medical Policy Office. Photo by Yonhap News

Jung Yoon-soon, Director of the Health and Medical Policy Bureau at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated this during the opening remarks at the 'Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for Doctors' Collective Action' meeting held at the Government Complex Sejong on the 14th.

Director Jung said, "On the 11th, the ruling and opposition party medical council took its first step," adding, "We will sincerely review various measures regarding the proposals from the medical community."

He continued, "We repeatedly request that the KMA and other medical organizations such as residents open their hearts and participate in the ruling and opposition party medical council." Currently, only two organizations?the Korean Academy of Medical Sciences and the Korean Association of Medical Colleges and Medical Schools (KAMC)?are participating in the council.

He also announced plans to accelerate medical reform. He said, "On the 13th, through the 7th Medical Reform Special Committee meeting, we discussed the direction of structural transformation to prepare the '2nd Medical Reform Implementation Plan,'" adding, "In particular, strengthening the medical accident safety net is one of the seven major demands of the residents."

He emphasized the importance of health management for the public during the winter season. Director Jung stated, "In winter, respiratory diseases such as COVID-19 and influenza, as well as cardiovascular diseases among the elderly, are likely to occur," and requested, "Local governments, education offices, and schools should actively promote vaccinations to seniors, residents of infection-vulnerable facilities, pregnant women, children, and others who need immunization."

He further stressed, "We ask all citizens to actively participate in following respiratory disease prevention guidelines such as hand washing, wearing masks, practicing cough etiquette, and ventilating indoor spaces."