President Lee Emphasizes "Restoring Trust" with Medical Community in First Press Conference
Efforts to Accelerate Plans for Medical Students and Residents to Return
As President Lee Jae Myung emphasized the need to "restore trust" in his first press conference since taking office, expectations are rising that the conflict between the government and the medical community can be resolved through dialogue. In particular, attention is being drawn to the fact that the President directly mentioned the necessity of finding ways for medical students and residents to return.
President Lee Jae Myung is speaking at the press conference titled "The President's 30 Days, The Media Asks and the People Answer" held at the Blue House State Guest House on the 3rd. Photo by Yonhap News
At the press conference marking his first month in office, held at the Blue House on the 3rd, President Lee responded to a question about resolving the government-medical community conflict by saying, "I believe that if we restore trust, engage in sufficient dialogue, and compromise where necessary, we can fully resolve this issue."
President Lee stated, "The government must do everything possible to create conditions that will allow medical students to return, if possible, in the second semester," adding, "I believe we need to engage in dialogue as soon as possible, and that honest discussion is also necessary."
This marks President Lee's first public comment on the conflict between the government and the medical community since taking office. Although he did not present a specific solution, he delivered a message of "dialogue" and "compromise," and is being credited with effectively calling for concrete measures to enable the return of medical students and residents.
President Lee also commented on the series of welcome statements issued by medical organizations regarding the nomination of Jeong Eun Kyung as Minister of Health and Welfare, saying, "I believe this is another positive sign."
The medical community has responded positively to President Lee's remarks. In particular, the fact that he referenced "the previous administration's unreasonable policies" and "unacceptable unilateral enforcement," thereby emphasizing the government's responsibility for the conflict, has been well received by the medical sector.
Meanwhile, the emergency committee of the Korean Intern Resident Association (KIRA) began surveying its members the previous day about the preconditions for returning in September, signaling preparations for dialogue with the government. It is expected that the association will enter into talks with the government based on the internal opinions gathered through this survey.
However, both medical students and residents maintain that, for them to return in the second half of the year, the government must provide flexibility in academic affairs and create special exceptions for training. Considering the academic calendar and the schedule for resident recruitment, a direction must be set within this month, so there is not much time left.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare, led by newly appointed Second Vice Minister Lee Hyung Hoon, is also seeking solutions, and it is expected that full-scale discussions will begin as soon as the new minister takes office.
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