Gang Do-tae, NHIS Chairman, "Not Appropriate to Comment on Presidential Candidates' Pledges"

[Asia Economy Reporter Seo So-jeong] As presidential candidates Lee Jae-myung and Yoon Seok-yeol continue to announce pledges related to health insurance coverage, Kang Do-tae, the president of the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS), stated that "it is not appropriate to comment on the pledges."

At a New Year's press briefing held on the 18th at the NHIS Seoul Gangwon Regional Headquarters in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, Kang was asked about his stance on the presidential candidates' health insurance-related pledges. He responded, "Many pledges related to health insurance are being made, but it is not appropriate for me to comment."

Earlier, on the 14th, Lee Jae-myung, the Democratic Party presidential candidate, officially announced a pledge to expand health insurance coverage for hair loss treatment drugs. He also stated that he would actively promote the expansion of health insurance coverage for rare and intractable diseases with high treatment costs. Yoon Seok-yeol, the People Power Party presidential candidate, announced the day before that continuous glucose monitors would be supported by health insurance for patients with gestational diabetes and adult diabetes. As presidential candidates continue to announce health insurance-related pledges, controversy over the appropriateness of health insurance coverage has also arisen.

Kang said, "Regarding the application and operation of health insurance, discussions should comprehensively reflect social research and other factors," and added, "There is a demand for and importance of health insurance," avoiding a direct answer. He further asked for understanding, saying, "Since each candidate has presented various opinions, it is neither appropriate nor easy to comment on all of them."

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