Busan City Urges Public Hospital Conversion of Baptist Hospital at National Assembly... "Government Decision Needed Urgently"

Busan Mayor Hyungjun Park and political leaders from the Busan area held a press conference at the National Assembly Communication Hall on the 21st to urge the public hospital conversion of the former Baptist Hospital.

The press conference was attended by Mayor Hyungjun Park as well as local members of the National Assembly, city council members, and district council members. Participants called for immediate policy decisions and implementation by the central government.

Busan Mayor Hyungjun Park and political figures from Busan held a press conference on the 21st at the National Assembly Communication Hall, urging the public hospitalization of the former Baptist Hospital. [Image source=Busan City]

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This press conference was organized in response to delays in both the Health Insurance Policy Review Committee subcommittee discussions and site visit schedules, even after the city requested another meeting on March 30. The city expressed concern over the prolonged gap in essential local medical services and urged the government to make a decision.

Busan City has already presented an unprecedented financial support plan to promote the project. Of the total project cost of 400.4 billion won, the city will cover 363 billion won, and it will compensate for 50% of operating losses for ten years after the hospital opens.

The city believes that if the agenda is delayed due to concerns over the financial burden on the National Health Insurance Fund, the gap in medical services will continue. Authorities stress that the establishment of a public hospital is essential to restoring the local medical safety net.

Mayor Hyungjun Park stated, "The public conversion of the Baptist Hospital is a task to protect the lives of citizens," adding, "A responsible decision by the government is required."

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