Jung Eun Kyung Vows to Pursue Healthcare Reform Reflecting the Voices of the People

Expanding Access to Medical Services by Strengthening Regional, Essential, and Public Healthcare
Commitment to Enhancing the Social Safety Net and Realizing a Welfare Powerhouse

Jung Eun Kyung, former commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and the first nominee for Minister of Health and Welfare under the Lee Jae Myung administration, emphasized her commitment to swiftly resolving conflicts between the government and medical associations and to strengthening the social safety net.

Eun Kyung Jung, the chief election campaign committee chairperson of the Democratic Party of Korea, appealed to citizens to support presidential candidate Lee Jae Myung at the intersection in front of Dapdong Cathedral in Jung-gu, Incheon, on May 12, the first day of official election campaigning for the June 3 presidential election. Photo by Yonhap News

On the 29th, in a statement expressing her thoughts on the nomination, Jung said, "I feel a tremendous sense of responsibility being nominated as the first Minister of Health and Welfare in the new administration," adding, "I will establish a comprehensive and robust social safety net so that all citizens can enjoy happiness."

As a priority, she plans to establish a social safety net that guarantees income security and basic living standards throughout the life cycle. Jung stated, "With rising welfare demands due to low birth rates, an aging population, and polarization," she explained, "I will build a system that cares for everyone from infants to the elderly, strengthen the state's responsibility for care, and realize a welfare powerhouse."

In the field of healthcare, Jung advocated for a people-centered healthcare system. She pledged, "Through sincere communication and cooperation, I will promptly resolve conflicts between the government and medical associations, strengthen regional, essential, and public healthcare to improve access to medical services, and promote healthcare reform that actively reflects the voices of the people to guarantee the right to health."

She also stated her intention to reverse the trend of low birth rates and respond to a super-aged society by fostering the biohealth industry as a key driver of national growth.

Jung remarked, "The public has endured significant hardship during the healthcare reform process," and added, "Based on my experience as commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, I will review policies through communication with the National Assembly, experts, field workers, and the public, and will diligently prepare for the National Assembly's confirmation hearing."