Jeonnam Provincial Council Chairman Kim Han-jong: Medical School Must Be Established in Jeonnam

2 Million Residents' Wish... Legislative Council Appeals for Help in Establishing Medical School

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Chunsu] The Jeonnam Provincial Council is actively working to attract a medical school to Jeonnam, a long-cherished wish of the 2 million residents of Jeonnam, amid recent decisions by the Democratic Party and the Korean Medical Association to reconsider the expansion and establishment of medical school quotas from the ground up.

On the 6th, Kim Hanjong, chairman of the Jeonnam Provincial Council, stated, “While the Democratic Party and the Korean Medical Association’s decision to reconsider the expansion of medical school quotas and the establishment of new medical schools from the ground up is a significant and welcome decision, I am concerned that it may negatively impact the establishment of a medical school in Jeonnam, which is the only province without a medical school.”

He especially emphasized, “Jeonnam has continuously petitioned the government for the establishment of a medical school, reflecting the wishes of its 2 million residents. As a result, in July, the government and ruling party announced their intention to proceed, which was warmly welcomed not only by the residents but also by the local medical community. The new medical school must be established to protect the health rights of Jeonnam residents, who face poor medical conditions.”

He continued, “As seen during the COVID-19 crisis, Jeonnam lacks a university hospital capable of treating critically ill patients, and many islands and remote areas reduce accessibility, making it the most vulnerable region nationwide, where residents often face threats to their lives and health.”

He also said, “The signing of the policy agreement by the government, ruling party, and the Korean Medical Association to protect public health and improve medical conditions was a serious decision amid the COVID-19 situation. However, considering Jeonnam’s desperate medical environment as the only province without a medical school nationwide, I earnestly ask that the establishment of a medical school in Jeonnam be included in discussions within the medical-legislative consultative body.”

Chairman Kim Hanjong stated, “The establishment of a medical school in Jeonnam, a wish held for over 30 years, cannot be in vain. The Jeonnam Provincial Council will do its utmost together with the 2 million residents to establish the medical school,” and added, “We ask the residents to show deep interest and support to ensure that the medical school is definitely established in our region.”

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