Director Park Neung-hoo of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters Discusses COVID-19 Spread Prevention with Daegu and Gyeongbuk Medical Community

Park Neung-hoo, Head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasure Headquarters for COVID-19 [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heung-soon] Park Neung-hoo, Minister of Health and Welfare and head of the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters for the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), held an emergency meeting with leaders of medical organizations in Daegu and Gyeongbuk on the 22nd to discuss measures to prevent the regional spread of COVID-19.

Minister Park said, "I visited to directly observe the necessary matters on the ground and to actively join forces to prevent the spread of COVID-19," adding, "I believe that if the government, medical community, and the public unite and pool their wisdom, we can definitely overcome COVID-19."

He continued, "I am grateful to the medical community that is making every effort to respond in this difficult situation," and added, "The central government will also actively support cooperation with local medical associations and hospitals to stabilize the situation as soon as possible."

The medical community in Daegu and Gyeongbuk conveyed opinions that improvements are needed regarding the shortage of medical personnel required for diagnostic testing and treatment, and that the self-quarantine standards are strict, suggesting exceptions be recognized under certain conditions (such as wearing goggles, masks, equipment, aprons, etc.).

Lee Sung-gu, president of the Daegu Medical Association, said, "The current situation is like soldiers in the middle of a war," and requested active support and cooperation from both central and local governments to overcome COVID-19.

At the meeting, from the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters, Minister Park, Lee Gi-il, head of the Support Team for Related Agencies, and Kim Hyun-jun, head of Field Support Team 1, attended. From the Daegu and Gyeongbuk medical community, President Lee Sung-gu, Jang Yoo-seok, president of the Gyeongbuk Medical Association, Ko Sam-gyu, president of the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Hospital Association, Jung Ho-young, director of Gyeongbuk National University Hospital, and Min Bok-gi, head of the Daegu Medical Association COVID-19 Countermeasures Team, gathered.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.