[2020 National Audit] Park Neung-hoo "Establishment of Public Medical School, Will Gather More Opinions"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Park Neung-hoo, Minister of Health and Welfare, said on the 8th regarding the promotion of establishing a public medical school, "We will gather more opinions."

Minister Park made this remark during the Ministry of Health and Welfare's audit at the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee, responding to Rep. Kim Mi-ae of the People Power Party's criticism that "the establishment of the public medical school is being pushed hastily."

The government previously announced plans to establish a public medical school by utilizing the medical school of Seonam University, which was closed in July. However, due to strong opposition from the medical community, an agreement was reached on the 4th of last month to suspend related discussions until the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) stabilizes.

Rep. Kim pointed out, "Despite the lack of a legal basis for establishing the public medical school, the budget has been continuously allocated since last year, and the establishment location is specified as Namwon, Jeonbuk, which is seen as an infringement on the National Assembly's review rights and as preferential treatment for a specific region."

In response, Minister Park said, "I agree with the criticism that public healthcare needs to be operated more substantively and that the public healthcare system by sector is insufficient, but ultimately, this is because of a shortage of (medical) personnel."

He added, "Considering the shortage of specialists in certain fields and doctors working in local medical institutions, I think the order should be to first create a public medical school to train the lacking personnel."

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