Ahn Cheol-soo: "COVID-19 Vaccines Should Be Free for All Citizens... Please Prioritize Securing Them"

Holding a Press Conference and Proposing Quarantine Measures
"If Elected Seoul Mayor, Designate Seoul Medical Center and Others as Infectious Disease Hospitals Until COVID-19 Ends"
"Comprehensive Testing Needed for Group Facilities Like Prisons"

Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, is holding a press conference on COVID-19 prevention measures at the National Assembly on the 31st. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hye-min] Ahn Cheol-soo, leader of the People’s Party, proposed on the 31st that "the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) vaccine should be provided free of charge to all citizens nationwide." He also emphasized the need for a comprehensive survey of group facilities such as prisons, detention centers, and nursing hospitals. He announced plans to convert Seoul Medical Center and other facilities into dedicated infectious disease hospitals until the COVID-19 crisis is over if elected mayor of Seoul.

On the morning of the same day, Ahn held a press conference at the National Assembly and proposed these COVID-19 prevention measures. He urged, "The first thing the government must do is to accurately explain the current COVID-19 situation to the public," adding, "This should be done directly by the President."

Ahn stressed that securing vaccines is the most important task. He said, "The fundamental solution to eradicating COVID-19 is early vaccination," and added, "By vaccinating 60-70% of the population by the first half of next year and completing nationwide vaccination by October, herd immunity can be formed, preventing another large-scale outbreak in winter."

To this end, he requested that the government disclose specifically when and how many doses of the COVID-19 vaccine will arrive. He said, "If only a small amount arrives initially and a large quantity comes much later, we need to devise new measures," suggesting, "We should borrow the insufficient doses early from allied countries that have secured large quantities and later return them with vaccines we purchase or pay for, engaging in vaccine diplomacy." He emphasized, "Forming herd immunity through early vaccination is the only way to return to normal life and overcome the economic recession, so the government must devote itself fully."

He also stated that the state should take responsibility and cover the costs of vaccination. He said, "If I am elected mayor of Seoul, and the central government implements a paid vaccine policy, Seoul City will take responsibility and ensure free vaccination for all citizens."

He proposed immediately converting public hospitals nationwide, such as the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, into dedicated infectious disease hospitals. Ahn said, "The lesson from COVID-19 is to proactively and aggressively establish a national specialized medical system, rather than passively securing intensive care beds in private hospitals through administrative orders or cooperation whenever the situation worsens," and stressed, "We must also promote the construction of regional national infectious disease specialized hospitals."

He said, "If elected mayor of Seoul, I will convert Seoul Medical Center, Boramae Hospital, and others into dedicated infectious disease hospitals until the COVID-19 crisis ends," and added, "I will also promote the establishment of a second Seoul Medical Center at the level of a 'tertiary general hospital' dedicated to infectious diseases."

Ahn also proposed a comprehensive COVID-19 survey of workers and residents in group facilities such as prisons, detention centers, nursing hospitals, and postpartum care centers.

He requested a review of the effectiveness of social distancing measures. He said, "Many citizens question the scientific basis for the 9 p.m. business restriction," and emphasized, "Removing the 9 p.m. restriction and operating at only 30-40% capacity regardless of size, or strictly enforcing ventilation standards, might be more effective."

Along with this, Ahn proposed strong measures to block overseas inflows, including thorough initial quarantine of inbound travelers, and conducting practical national medical licensing exams for fourth-year medical students to address the shortage of medical personnel.

He said, "The situation of 1,000 confirmed COVID-19 cases is the result of the government’s ignorance and complacency," and strongly urged, "The President and responsible officials of the administration must act honestly and diligently fulfill their given duties." He also called for, "Abandoning political tactics focused solely on when and how to distribute disaster relief funds for votes, and establishing firm standards and principles that can provide real help to those suffering from the disaster."

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