<policyDirector> "Medical reform, if it is something to be done someday by someone, we will do it" </policyDirector>

Policy Chief Sung Tae-yoon stated on the 9th regarding medical reform, including the increase in medical school quotas, "If it is something that someone has to do someday, we will do it." This indicates that the government does not intend to abandon its stance despite the prolonged collective action by residents and signs that medical school professors are submitting resignation letters.

On the same day, Sung appeared on Channel A News and responded to the anchor's question, "It has been about three weeks since the residents left. Did you expect it to last this long?" by saying, "We are not making any assumptions about the duration."

He added, "Considering all situations, including pessimistic and optimistic aspects, the government's position is to resolve the current situation based on a cold and realistic understanding so that the most appropriate medical services can be provided to the public in the long term," and emphasized, "from that perspective, efforts to expand medical personnel are absolutely necessary, so we will continue this work."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

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He also expressed a critical view regarding some residents returning to hospitals or identifying other residents who remain. Sung said, "It is highly inappropriate to encourage withdrawal from clinical practice or to threaten those who are conscientiously performing their duties," and explained, "The government will also do its best to protect (returning and remaining residents) to prevent any harm."

He continued, "We express gratitude and respect to doctors and nurses who wish to return and work with the public, and we will strive to expand their roles as much as possible."

In response to the anchor's question, "With all medical school professors holding an emergency meeting, if even professors resign and refuse to provide care, how will the government respond?" Sung replied, "We ask that no situation occurs where medical professionals abandon patients and leave their side," assuring that the government is making thorough preparations for emergency medical care.

Regarding this, Sung mentioned that the government plans to support medical personnel by allocating funds through contingency budgets and support from the National Health Insurance Corporation, strengthening the transfer and transport system for mild patients, enhancing compensation for public medical institutions, conducting pilot projects for medical support nurses, early deployment of public health doctors and military medical officers, and new hires related to critical and emergency patient care.

He also explained that tertiary hospitals will focus on severe patients, while mild patients will receive stable care at regional hospitals, with ongoing efforts to improve the medical delivery system. Additionally, practical support related to medical fees is planned.

Regarding the prolonged absence of residents, he warned again, "Ultimately, doctors and we cannot gain public sympathy if we do not stand with the people. Nevertheless, if they do not return, we have no choice but to follow procedures according to laws and principles."

He also announced plans to reform the current university hospital system, which is centered on residents. Sung stated, "Those called residents are trainee doctors. It is problematic if the hospital system cannot function simply because trainees have left," adding, "We will continue efforts to fundamentally improve this tertiary hospital system, including medical support nurses, normalizing the training system, and ensuring smooth provision of medical services."

When asked whether allowing nurses to perform emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation and surgical suturing reflects President Yoon Seok-yeol's will for comprehensive reform, he explained, "Medical care is ultimately directly related to the lives and health of the people. It is a constitutional duty of the government, so from the public's perspective, we must choose and proceed with the system that is best for the people, not for any specific profession."

He also made it clear that the plan to increase medical school quotas by 2,000 will not waver. Sung said, "The actual need was estimated at about 3,000, but after reviewing various conditions, it was decided to increase by 2,000," emphasizing, "There will be no change in this."

He added, "Currently, universities have been asked to apply for how many personnel they can train, and a total of 3,401 increase requests have been received from 40 medical schools. Based on the number 2,000 and university conditions, distribution will be carried out," and explained, "This work is related to regional medical schools, which the government considers key. Among the 40 medical schools, 17 are small 'mini' medical schools with fewer than 50 students, so it is necessary to make them a scale where practical education can be smoothly conducted. This process will proceed according to procedures."

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