77% of Citizens Support Public Medical Schools... Also Favor Introduction of 'Jiyeok Uisaje'

Support for Establishing 'Public Medical Schools' in Areas Without National Universities
82.7% Positive Despite Medical School Quota Expansion Policy
Calls for Introducing 'Regional Doctor System' with 10 Years of Service

A survey found that 77% of the public have a positive view on the plan to establish a 'public medical school' in regions without a national medical school. Additionally, 83% of respondents supported the government's push to 'expand medical school quotas.'

According to the 'Public Opinion Survey on Expanding the Medical Workforce' released by the Health and Medical Workers' Union on the 21st, 77.0% answered 'yes' to the question, 'Should a public medical school be established in regions without a national university?'

The public medical school system was actively promoted during the Moon Jae-in administration, designed so that graduates are required to work in the designated region for a certain period. At that time, medical associations strongly opposed the government's plan to establish public medical schools.

Even aside from public medical schools, there was an opinion that medical school quotas should be increased mainly at national and public universities. To the question, 'Should medical school quotas be expanded mainly at national and public universities to train doctors in non-metropolitan areas and expand public healthcare?' 47.5% answered 'very necessary' and 35.8% answered 'somewhat necessary,' totaling 83.3% positive responses.

Regarding the government's policy to expand medical school quotas, 82.7% gave positive responses. When asked, 'Should medical school quotas be expanded to recruit doctors to work in medically underserved areas and public healthcare institutions?' 57.7% answered 'very necessary' and 25.0% answered 'necessary.' Specifically, the highest rates of support for expanding medical school quotas were found among people in their 40s (86.5%) and in the Gwangju and Jeolla regions (86.6%).

The Health and Medical Workers' Union explained, "Although the government announced it would consider expanding medical school quotas focusing on existing medical schools, it is clear that an overwhelming majority of the public wants the establishment of public medical schools."

Support for Introducing the 'Regional Doctor System' Requiring Over 10 Years of Service in One Area

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There was also strong public support for introducing the 'Regional Doctor System,' which mandates serving in one area for more than 10 years. 83.3% responded that this system is necessary.

The Health and Medical Workers' Union pointed out, "Expanding the medical workforce is a national responsibility to solve issues such as deaths caused by emergency room rotation accidents and the suffering of citizens due to medical tourism. Now is not the time to be cautious of doctors' opinions."

This survey was conducted by Sudden Post, a professional polling agency, on behalf of the Health and Medical Workers' Union, via landline and mobile phone from the 4th to the 6th of this month, targeting 1,000 adults nationwide.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health and Welfare will announce the results of a university demand survey on medical school quota increases this afternoon. It is known that the demand collected from 40 medical schools nationwide exceeds 3,000 students.

Previously, the Ministry of Health and Welfare had planned to announce the survey results on the 13th but suddenly postponed the schedule. Some speculate that this was due to the government's embarrassment over unexpectedly strong opposition from medical associations.

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