Hyungdae Park, a member of the Jeonnam Provincial Assembly (Progressive Party, Jangheung 1), on the 18th expressed strong regret over the government's decision to scrap the plan to increase the medical school enrollment quota, issuing a statement in which he strongly criticized the move.
In his statement, Park said, "The government's decision to maintain the current medical school enrollment quota at 3,058 students, instead of increasing it, is a betrayal of the public who have endured a medical service vacuum for over a year, as well as the residents of Jeonnam who have earnestly hoped for the establishment of a new medical school. This is tantamount to abandoning medical reform."
He went on to say, "No one believes that the abandonment of the enrollment increase will be limited to next year. If this announcement is not withdrawn, the plan to increase medical school enrollment will effectively be scrapped, which will further exacerbate the shortage of doctors and widen regional disparities in medical services."
Park urged, "All political parties and presidential candidates must clearly state that they will steadfastly pursue the plan to increase the medical school enrollment quota as part of medical reform."
He also emphasized, "Since Jeonnam Province had promised to recruit new medical school students next year, it must make it clear that it cannot accept the government's announcement under any circumstances. With medical reform once again at risk of being derailed, I urge all political circles to actively step forward to guarantee the public's right to health and to resolve regional disparities in medical services."
This statement appears to reflect concerns that the government's decision to scrap the plan to increase the medical school enrollment quota will deal a significant blow to efforts to improve the medical environment in Jeonnam, an area already vulnerable in terms of healthcare.
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