Lee Jae Myung, former leader and presidential pre-candidate of the Democratic Party, stated on the 22nd, "I will establish a public medical school to train medical professionals for public, essential, and regional healthcare."
Lee Jae Myung, former leader and presidential pre-candidate of the Democratic Party, is speaking at an on-site meeting held at the Agency for Defense Development (ADD) in Yuseong District, Daejeon on the 17th. Photo by National Assembly Press Photographers Group
On the morning of the same day, Lee posted on Facebook, "I will create a country where no one has to worry when they are sick, and a society where everyone can receive proper treatment," announcing these plans.
Lee pointed out, "Korea has significantly improved health insurance coverage in a relatively short period and established a high-quality medical service system," but added, "There are still disparities in medical services depending on 'residential area' and 'whether one has private insurance.'"
He noted, "Even when people are sick, there are often no hospitals nearby, and access to hospitals is becoming increasingly difficult," explaining, "This is because access to medical care is determined more by regional conditions, income level, and the distribution of medical institutions than by the actual needs of patients."
He continued, "The basic principle that 'if you are sick, you go to the hospital' must become a reality," stressing, "We need comprehensive reforms that prioritize patients' needs and safety, and that extend to nursing and care."
He then presented the following as his medical policy pledges: ▲ strengthening public healthcare by establishing a public medical school ▲ rationalizing medical school enrollment quotas ▲ building an integrated care system.
Regarding the strengthening of public healthcare, Lee explained, "We will expand public hospitals equipped with next-generation public healthcare systems based on digital infrastructure," and added, "We will reduce regional disparities in healthcare, expand support for regional medical centers, and foster them as key public healthcare institutions." He also stated, "The state will take responsibility for essential medical services such as emergency care, childbirth, and trauma treatment," and added, "We will reform the national health insurance system to ensure financial stability and efficient use of health insurance funds."
On the rationalization of medical school enrollment quotas, he said, "The recent medical crisis has caused suffering for everyone, and the medical community has closed the door to dialogue in response to the government's unilateral decisions," adding, "Now is the time to end conflict, confrontation, and political strife." He emphasized, "We must start again with a social consensus involving all stakeholders, and take into account the changes of the times brought about by the development of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced science and technology."
As a further explanation regarding the establishment of an integrated care system, he stated, "We will build a system where medical care, nursing, and caregiving are organically connected," and proposed, "Based on the 'Integrated Care Support Act' to be implemented next year, we will complete a sustainable community health and care system."
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