Pledge to Achieve a Healthy Jeonnam Without Healthcare Disparities

Health Day Commemorative Event
Aspirations for the Establishment of a National Medical School

Jeollanam-do Governor Kim Youngrok is performing with attendees at the '53rd Health Day' commemorative event held on the 9th at POSCO Gwangyang Baegun Art Hall in Gwangyang. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On April 9, in celebration of the 53rd Health Day, South Jeolla Province held a commemorative event at the POSCO Gwangyang Baegun Art Hall to recognize those who have contributed to the improvement of public health and to highlight the importance of healthcare, reaffirming its commitment to achieving a "Healthy Jeonnam with No Medical Disparities."

Under the theme "30 Years of Health Milestones, Leap Forward to a Healthy Future," the event was attended by Governor Kim Yungrok and over 1,000 healthcare professionals, who shared the history of Health Day, current challenges, and visions for future healthcare policies.

During the ceremony, a total of 46 individuals?including public officials and private hospital staff?were honored for their contributions to the development of local healthcare (38 received the Governor's Commendation and 8 received the Gwangyang Mayor's Commendation). The event also featured a card section expressing the hope for the establishment of a national medical school.

Governor Kim Yungrok stated, "Complex issues such as regional medical disparities due to concentration in the capital area, an increase in chronic diseases due to an aging population, mental health crises, and the reemergence of infectious diseases due to climate change are emerging." He continued, "We will make every effort to establish a medical school in Jeonnam, which is the only metropolitan local government in the country without one, so that local talent can settle in the region and provide stable medical services."

He added, "All residents should be able to enjoy a healthy life regardless of class, residence, or economic conditions," emphasizing, "We will prioritize the health of our residents in all policy initiatives."