Mayor Sinsangjin of Seongnam Urges Prompt Approval for Entrusted Operation of Seongnam City Medical Center by a University Hospital Again

Letter Delivered to Minister Jeong Eunkyung of Health and Welfare
Official Request for a Meeting

Seongnam City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Sinsangjin) announced on September 30 that it had delivered a letter from the mayor to Jeong Eunkyung, Minister of Health and Welfare, urging the ministry once again to promptly approve the entrustment of Seongnam City Medical Center’s operation to a university hospital.

Sinsangjin, Mayor of Seongnam. Provided by Seongnam City

A letter delivered by Seong Sangjin, mayor of Seongnam City, to Jeong Eunkyung, Minister of Health and Welfare. Provided by Seongnam City

In the letter, Mayor Sinsangjin stated, “We requested approval for entrusting the operation of Seongnam City Medical Center to a university hospital in order to provide high-quality medical services and to expand and strengthen public healthcare projects. However, as the Ministry of Health and Welfare has not yet notified us of its decision, we are facing a regrettable situation in which a public hospital with 509 beds cannot properly fulfill its role.”

He continued, “In order for Seongnam City Medical Center to operate in line with local needs, policy support in the form of approval for entrusted operation, rather than simple financial aid, is essential,” adding, “In this regard, I request a meeting with the Minister.”

Seongnam City requested approval for university hospital entrusted operation from the Ministry of Health and Welfare in November 2023. However, the ministry has not made a decision for one year and nine months, citing the lack of established approval standards and procedures.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare has previously stated plans to foster Seongnam City Medical Center and Seoul Medical Center as “multi-layered regional care hubs.” However, unlike Seoul Medical Center-which opened in 1977 and has secured 279 specialists and over 100 residents-Seongnam City Medical Center, which opened in 2020, was unable to sufficiently accumulate core clinical capabilities during the COVID-19 response, making the university hospital entrusted operation an urgent matter.

Mayor Sinsangjin reiterated, “I once again urge the prompt approval of the university hospital entrusted operation so that Seongnam City Medical Center can become a trusted public hospital for citizens,” emphasizing, “I will directly convey the urgent demands of our citizens through a meeting with Minister Jeong Eunkyung.”

Meanwhile, while waiting for the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s notification of approval, Seongnam City has completed all related administrative procedures, including amending ordinances, obtaining city council consent, and conducting a public call for entrusted hospitals.

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