[2020 National Audit] Jung Eun-kyung "Epidemiological Investigators Must Secure Staffing to Prepare for New Infectious Diseases"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Jung Eun-kyung, Commissioner of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, stated on the 8th that it is necessary to secure an appropriate number of epidemiological investigators proportional to the population to prepare for new infectious diseases.

Commissioner Jung made this remark in response to a related inquiry from Assemblywoman In Jae-geun (Democratic Party) during the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee’s audit held in the form of a video conference that morning.

Assemblywoman In said, "Although the revision of the Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act mandates the deployment of epidemiological investigators in cities, counties, and districts with populations over 100,000, there are opinions that the uniform standard should be further detailed."

In response, Commissioner Jung said, "Among the 134 cities, counties, and districts with populations over 100,000, epidemiological investigators are deployed in 73 locations. One investigator per 100,000 people is the minimum standard. Since an appropriate number proportional to the population is necessary, we will consult with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety on improvement measures."

Commissioner Jung also announced plans to enhance the expertise of epidemiological investigators. He said, "Although the epidemiological investigator training, which was held twice a year, has been increased to eight times this year, it is still insufficient. We will establish a support system that provides professional training opportunities to improve the expertise of epidemiological investigators."

He added, "A department in charge of (training) was newly established within the reorganized Disease Control and Prevention Agency. We will promote systematic training through this department."

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