Halla Hospital Cardiologist Hospitalized While Protecting Patient... Prime Minister Han Expresses "Deep Respect"

Handuksoo Checks Emergency Medical System at Jeju Halla Hospital
Normal Treatment Centered on Specialists Amid Resident Doctor Shortage

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited Jeju Halla Hospital in Jeju City on the afternoon of the 3rd to check the emergency medical system due to the doctors' collective action and offered words of encouragement to the medical staff. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo visited Jeju Halla Hospital on the 3rd to inspect the emergency medical system and encouraged the medical staff and hospital officials who are protecting the medical field despite the strike by resident doctors.

During the on-site inspection, Halla Hospital Director Kim Seong-su, Deputy Director of Medical Affairs Kim Won, and Jeju Deputy Governor Kim Seong-jung were present.

The Prime Minister's Office explained, "This visit was made to encourage the medical staff of Jeju Halla Hospital, an excellent general hospital in the Jeju area, which is playing a significant role in maintaining the emergency medical system."

As a secondary general hospital, Halla Hospital is maintaining a normal medical system centered on specialists amid the ongoing collective action by resident doctors opposing the expansion of medical school quotas.

It is known that a cardiology specialist at Halla Hospital, despite the strenuous work caused by the medical gap, stayed by patients' side until the end and was even hospitalized due to deteriorating health. Upon hearing this news, Prime Minister Han said, "I express my deep respect and gratitude for the hard work and dedication of the medical staff at Halla Hospital for their patients."

He added, "The government will do its best to prepare measures to prevent burnout among the medical staff remaining at the hospital."

Since Halla Hospital can treat severe and critical patients such as those with cancer, cerebrovascular diseases, and rare diseases, patients in Jeju can receive the necessary treatment near their residence without having to travel to hospitals in the metropolitan area.

The government explained, "Through medical reform, we plan to foster general hospitals capable of treating severe and critical patients like Halla Hospital, establishing a regionally complete medical system where patients can receive treatment near their place of residence."

To this end, the government plans to expand the regional talent admission quota to at least 60% and introduce a contract-based regional essential doctor system to create an institutional foundation that allows many excellent doctors to work in the region.

The government stated, "We are considering establishing a regional medical development fund to strengthen the capabilities of regional hospitals," and added, "Financial support is also being prepared."

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