Minister of Education Lee Ju-ho Visits Gyeongsang National University and Gyeongsang National University Hospital

To Review Improvement Plans and Preparation Status for Educational Conditions Following Medical School Quota Allocation

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education Lee Ju-ho visited Gyeongsang National University and Gyeongsang National University Hospital to review the university's plans and preparations for improving educational conditions following the allocation of medical school quotas and to gather the university's opinions.

The visit on the 25th was accompanied by Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyu-hong, Governor of Gyeongsangnam-do Park Wan-su, and Mayor of Jinju Cho Kyu-il. At Gyeongsang National University, President Kwon Soon-ki and other key university officials, the dean of the medical school, the director of Gyeongsang National University Hospital, the director of Changwon Gyeongsang National University Hospital, and the chairperson of the medical school emergency response committee attended.

The meeting held at 3 p.m. in the Jowoo-dong Room on the 9th floor of the university headquarters at Chilam Campus proceeded with reports on academic management and plans for medical school expansion, followed by an open discussion.

Minister of Education Lee Ju-ho visited Gyeongsang National University and Gyeongsang National University Hospital.

Deputy Prime Minister Lee said, “At a time when students should be focusing on their studies and nurturing their dreams of becoming doctors, many have yet to return to their studies, and even medical school professors have expressed intentions of collective resignation. It is regrettable that the university, where learning and growth should take place, has become engulfed in conflict and anxiety.” He added, “The government has initiated a new medical ecosystem reform aimed at radically innovating medical education through this medical school quota expansion, addressing the medical disparities between metropolitan and non-metropolitan areas, and supporting regionally comprehensive essential medical care centered on regional hub universities like Gyeongsang National University.”

He continued, “The allocation of medical school quotas is not the end but the beginning of successful medical reform,” and emphasized, “The government will have a strong will and provide full support so that universities can adequately prepare for high-quality medical education over approximately three years, ensuring that the conditions for medical education are significantly improved through this quota expansion.”

He stated, “Universities should develop solid plans to improve medical school educational conditions reflecting the scale and characteristics of their quotas, and if there are any needs for government support, please share your opinions so that we can actively incorporate them in cooperation with relevant ministries. Local governments are also requested to pay attention and provide support so that hospitals of regional hub national universities can fulfill their pivotal roles as nearby responsible medical institutions in regional healthcare.”

President Kwon said, “The most important aspect is the morale of participating professors,” and emphasized, “It is very important to consider how to enable professors who teach to participate with pride in education. Even a small justification would be helpful to encourage students and residents to return.”

He added, “This issue has been discussed at the Yongsan Presidential Office and is currently being discussed in the political arena as well. I would appreciate it if the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister could propose measures to create at least a minimal justification for students and residents to return.”

He continued, “The starting point for expanding medical school quotas is regional healthcare and essential medical personnel. Gyeongsang National University will implement a regional talent allocation system with over 80% by 2027,” and emphasized, “Furthermore, we will discuss the ‘Regional Doctor System’ together with Gyeongsangnam-do.”

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