Jeonnam Medical School Establishment Gains Momentum... Urgent Need to Finalize Integrated University Name

Medical School Special Committee Urges Immediate Launch of University Name Contest
for Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University Merger

The Jeonnam Provincial Integrated University National Medical School Establishment Support Special Committee (hereinafter referred to as the "Medical School Special Committee") has strongly called for the prompt implementation of the integrated university name contest for the merger of Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University.

In a statement released on September 2, the Medical School Special Committee said, "The government's decision to establish medical schools in regions without one as a national policy task is a historic achievement in which the state has officially recognized both the legitimacy and necessity of establishing a national medical school in Jeonnam." The committee added, "This is a remarkable accomplishment that fulfills the long-standing aspirations of 1.8 million Jeonnam residents who have suffered from medical blind spots."

The Special Committee Supporting the Establishment of the National Medical School at Jeonnam Integrated University strongly demanded the prompt implementation of the integrated university's name contest. Provided by Jeonnam Provincial Council

The committee continued, "Last year's agreement between the two universities to merge was a significant step forward for the establishment of the medical school, but declarations and agreements alone are not enough," emphasizing, "In order to submit an application for establishment under the name of the integrated university, as required by the Ministry of Education, the university name must be decided in advance."

The committee also highlighted the symbolism and necessity of the integrated university's name. "The name of the integrated university is not just a title, but a symbol that establishes the identity of Jeonnam National Medical School and unites the will of the residents," the committee stated. "It should serve as the name of the educational institution that will nurture local medical talent and embody the residents' determination to address medical inequality."

Furthermore, the committee stressed, "Just as the saying goes, 'A name defines consciousness,' finalizing the university name will be a decisive turning point that unites the will of the residents and accelerates the establishment of the medical school." The committee urged, "Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University, as parties to the merger agreement, must immediately proceed with the name contest, and Jeonnam Province should swiftly establish procedures that enable resident participation to build consensus."

The committee reiterated, "The establishment of Jeonnam National Medical School is not just a local issue but a national responsibility. It is a national task to bridge the gap in medical accessibility and ensure that all citizens receive quality medical services." The committee once again emphasized, "Jeonnam Province and the two universities must act with one heart and immediately move forward with the university name contest."

Meanwhile, Mokpo National University and Suncheon National University are accelerating their integration process to establish a medical school, a long-held wish for the Jeonnam region. Jeonnam is currently the only one of the 17 metropolitan and provincial regions in South Korea without a medical school, and issues of medical staff shortages and limited access to healthcare have been continuously raised.