Strengthening Solidarity for a Society Free of Prejudice
Request for Prompt Establishment of Jeonnam Medical School
Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok is taking a commemorative photo with attendees at the 22nd Hansen's Disease Day ceremony held at the National Sorokdo Hospital on the 15th. Photo by Jeonnam Province
On May 15, Jeonnam Governor Kim Youngrok attended the 22nd Hansen's Disease Day ceremony held at the National Sorokdo Hospital, where he offered words of comfort to Hansen's disease patients and their families. He also emphasized his commitment to advancing policies aimed at improving the welfare and human rights of Hansen's disease patients, based on the spirit of healing and inclusion.
The ceremony brought together approximately 1,000 Hansen's disease patients from across the country, Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyuhong, Vice Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission Park Jongmin, National Assembly members Moon Geumjoo and Cha Kyugeun, and Goheung County Governor Gong Youngmin. Participants expressed solidarity for the improvement of human rights for Hansen's disease patients and for building a society free of prejudice.
The event also highlighted the noble love and spirit of service of Marianne and Margaret, who devoted themselves quietly to Sorokdo for over 40 years.
Jeonnam Province has continuously worked to stabilize the lives of Hansen's disease patients and provide practical support by offering living expenses to 68 patients facing financial hardship, supporting operating expenses and special allowances for workers at eight settlement villages and the Yeosu Aeyang Pyeongan Nursing Home, and providing subsidies to two Hansen's Disease Management Association branches.
Governor Kim stated, "Marking its 109th anniversary, Sorokdo Hospital is a symbolic place that has preserved the human rights and dignity of Hansen's disease patients, and remains a precious legacy in the history of their lives. Jeonnam Province will continue to promote policies to enhance the welfare and human rights of Hansen's disease patients, grounded in the spirit of healing and inclusion."
Meanwhile, on the same day, Governor Kim also requested Minister Cho Kyuhong to make a decisive policy commitment and provide active national support for the establishment of a national medical school in Jeonnam Province, stressing the need to resolve the shortage of local medical personnel and strengthen essential medical services.
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