Calls for Structural Reform at Ministry of Health and Welfare Audit on October 15
Proposes 'Dual Governance' to Separate Medical Services and Infrastructure Management
Lee Gaeho, member of the Democratic Party of Korea.
Lee Gaeho, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Damyang, Hampyeong, Yeonggwang, and Jangseong in South Jeolla Province, emphasized the importance of the unique functions and roles of the National Sorokdo Hospital during the Ministry of Health and Welfare's parliamentary audit held on October 15, 2025, and called for improvements to the current management structure.
Lee pointed out, "The current system, in which the hospital comprehensively manages all roads, parks, water and sewage systems, and cultural heritage on the entire island, not only limits the advancement of medical and care services but also hinders the effective utilization of valuable cultural heritage."
The National Sorokdo Hospital is more than a medical institution; it is a special place imbued with the long history and hardships of people affected by Hansen's disease. The designation of the entire island as a hospital management zone was originally intended to ensure the stable operation of the Hansen settlement over the years. However, in modern times, this has become an obstacle to the hospital's core functions.
Lee criticized the significant inconveniences residents experience in their daily lives as a result. He stated, "Residents are facing accumulated inconveniences in their living environment, such as delayed road repairs, gaps in water, sewage, and environmental management, and reduced accessibility to residential welfare services."
Lee called for a swift transition to a "dual governance system" in which infrastructure management and cultural heritage management and utilization would be handled by Goheung County, allowing the hospital to focus solely on its primary functions of healthcare, care, and research. He stressed that this would resolve residents' inconveniences and expedite the systematic maintenance of public facilities and the normalization of essential services.
He also proposed forming a "tripartite consultative body" involving the hospital, Goheung County, and South Jeolla Province, establishing a joint management zone, and building a system capable of providing one-stop responses to on-site issues. This, he emphasized, is an important effort to create a better environment for both residents and medical staff.
Currently, about 320 people affected by Hansen's disease reside on Sorokdo, and their welfare and stable lives require ongoing attention and support. Lee urged the Ministry of Health and Welfare to complete the ongoing related research within the year and promptly present a "comprehensive development plan" that thoroughly reflects the current living conditions and local circumstances.
In response, Minister of Health and Welfare Jeong Eun-kyeong stated, "We will carefully consider the results of the research and the opinions of residents and people affected by Hansen's disease to seek the most reasonable and comprehensive plan."
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