Handonghun: "I hope there is a better alternative than postponing medical school expansion"

by Han Jinjoo

Published 27 Aug.2024 21:58(KST)

Updated 28 Aug.2024 05:23(KST)

"Need for Solutions to Alleviate Public Anxiety About National Health"

Han Dong-hoon, leader of the People Power Party, commented on the alternative proposal to postpone the increase in medical school quotas for the 2026 academic year, which will be recruited next year, saying, "It would be better if there is a better alternative. I have a great sense of responsibility for public health."

Handonghun, the leader of the People Power Party, is speaking at the Supreme Council meeting held at the National Assembly on the 26th. Photo by Kim Hyunmin kimhyun81@

On the 27th, Han wrote on his Facebook, "While maintaining the essence and momentum of medical reform, a solution is needed to alleviate the public's anxiety about the absolute value of public health."

Han stated, "In 2025, the increase announced in the admissions guidelines will be implemented, but for 2026, considering the unreasonable situation where 7,500 students, including the increased quota, must be educated in one grade due to the insufficient capacity of 3,000 students in 2025, I proposed postponing the increase for one year as an alternative."

Earlier, the leadership of the People Power Party proposed a mediation plan to the Presidential Office to postpone the increase in medical school quotas for the 2026 academic year, but the Presidential Office is sticking to the principle that it should proceed as planned. A senior official from the Presidential Office stated, "This is not a matter to be decided through compromise without any basis by negotiating with the medical community, nor is it a matter for the medical community to decide."

At the Supreme Council meeting the day before, Han said, "I am well aware that there are many concerns arising during the medical reform process," and added, "The government must thoroughly prepare for various concerns that may arise during that process." There is also a possibility that this issue will be discussed at the dinner meeting scheduled on the 30th between President Yoon Seok-yeol and the People Power Party leadership.