Assemblyman Heo Jongsik Urges Establishment of Disease Response Center under KDCA in Incheon

Concerns Rise Over Infectious Disease Influx via Incheon Airport and Ports
Need to Establish Regional Disease Control Agency Branches

Democratic Party of Korea Representative Heo Jong-sik

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Democratic Party lawmaker Heo Jongsik (Incheon Dong-gu·Michuhol-gu Gap) has called for the establishment of a 'Disease Response Center' under the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and an 'Incheon Regional Office.'

After receiving a briefing at the first plenary meeting of the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee on the morning of the 17th, Rep. Heo emphasized, "There is a high risk of infectious diseases entering through Incheon International Airport and Incheon Port."

Amid organizational restructuring aimed at establishing the KDCA as a new agency replacing the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the government plans to introduce ▲multiple vice ministers in the Ministry of Health and Welfare ▲establish a National Infectious Disease Research Institute ▲strengthen regional response systems.

In particular, as the government has decided to swiftly build an infectious disease response system at the regional level, it is considering establishing regional Disease Response Centers or regional offices under the KDCA.

Rep. Heo stated, "While cities with major overseas airports have general hospitals within 10 km, Yeongjongdo, where Incheon Airport is located, has none. To prevent infectious diseases from spreading nationwide through the airport and to take proactive measures, the government must establish a regional Disease Response Center or a KDCA regional office in Incheon, as currently under review with the establishment of the KDCA."

In response, Park Neung-hoo, Minister of Health and Welfare, said, "We will seriously consider whether it is appropriate to establish a Disease Response Center under the KDCA in Incheon."

Meanwhile, Rep. Heo also urged, "On the 9th, three female nurses working at a temporary screening clinic in Michuhol-gu, Incheon, collapsed during their duties," and requested a "reconsideration of the government's third supplementary budget, which did not allocate funds to support medical staff."

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