Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyu-hong, "Apologies for Medical Gaps but Will Steadily Promote Medical Reform"

Reiterating the Need and Commitment to Medical Reform in the New Year's Address
"Establishing an Excellent Medical Workforce Training System and Radically Innovating the Medical Delivery System"

"In the new year, we will resolve medical gaps and steadily promote medical reforms that save lives and communities."

Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Kyu-hong is giving a briefing on the pension reform promotion plan at the Government Seoul Office in Jongno, Seoul, on September 4. Photo by Jo Yong-jun jun21@

Cho Kyu-hong, Minister of Health and Welfare, clearly stated his intention to continue advancing the government's medical reform agenda in 2025.

In his New Year's address on the 31st, Minister Cho said, "I feel deeply sorry that medical gaps and emergency medical systems have been prolonged," adding, "We must overcome the challenges before us for ourselves and future generations and move forward."

Minister Cho said, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare has pursued various reform tasks with an urgent mindset that we cannot miss the 'golden time' to enhance South Korea's sustainability and improve the quality of life for its people in response to economic and social structural changes," and emphasized again the necessity of medical reform by stating, "We made 2024 the inaugural year of medical reform that saves lives and communities, expanding medical school quotas for the first time in 27 years and implementing various policies to fundamentally improve regional and essential medical care."

He continued, "We will establish an excellent medical workforce training system that both the public and medical professionals agree on, and radically innovate the medical delivery and compensation systems. By strengthening the safety net for medical accidents, patients will receive prompt and sufficient relief, and medical professionals will be able to work with pride without fear of lawsuits," promising. He also added, "We will listen to the voices of the people, steadily supplement and promote reform tasks, and strive to build a sustainable health and welfare system that the public can feel."

He cited the maximum increase in the standard median income for three consecutive years, the announcement of the National Pension reform plan, and strengthened support for childbirth and child-rearing as achievements for this year. However, Minister Cho diagnosed, "The difficulties of vulnerable groups continue, and despite a recent rebound in low birthrate indicators, the demographic changes caused by low birthrate and aging make it difficult to view the situation optimistically."

Accordingly, he pledged to strengthen income support for vulnerable groups and expand support for new welfare demands such as young family caregivers, isolated and reclusive youth, and those at risk of solitary death. He also mentioned plans to create an environment where childbirth is welcomed, expand research and development, and foster biohealth through the utilization of medical data and regulatory innovation, saying, "We will be a solid stepping stone for the people to overcome current difficulties and prepare for a hopeful future."

Regarding pension reform, he emphasized, "We will continue the tasks for the future in a way that the current generation can empathize with and actively participate in," and added, "We will faithfully support the National Assembly's deliberation process to ensure that a mutually beneficial pension reform encompassing all generations bears fruit."

Meanwhile, concerning the Jeju Air passenger plane disaster, Minister Cho expressed condolences, saying, "It is very regrettable that the new year, which should shine brightly with hope, is filled with sorrow and worry due to the tragic aircraft accident that occurred at the end of the year," and "I pray for the repose of the victims and extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved families." Minister Cho stated, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare feels a heavy responsibility along with grief and will make thorough preparations for psychological and funeral support."

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