President Lee Visits National Medical Center,Pledges Support for Essential Healthcare
President Lee Jae-myung made a visit to the National Medical Center on the afternoon of September 29th,aiming to boost the morale of medical staff and assess preparedness for the upcoming Chuseok holiday. The visit underscored the administration’s commitment to ensuring accessible and robust healthcare services for all citizens, notably as the holiday period approaches.
During a tour of the facility, President Lee inquired about the current situation regarding COVID-19 patients and the potential for seasonal outbreaks.He expressed his gratitude to frontline medical personnel for their dedication to maintaining a functional emergency department, acknowledging the critical role they play in public safety.
Following the tour, President lee convened a meeting with a diverse group of medical professionals – including emergency room doctors, trauma specialists, nurses, and representatives from central emergency medical centers – to review overall readiness, address challenges, and explore potential improvements to the system.
president Lee praised the high level of public trust in the nation’s healthcare system,attributing it to the tireless efforts of medical staff. He noted visible improvements in emergency room conditions, referencing the recent focus on addressing the issues previously known as the “emergency room unusual” situation. Though, he stressed the continued and vital need to bolster public, regional, and essential medical infrastructure.
A subsequent closed-door meeting saw National Medical Center Director Seo Gil-jun propose a three-pronged approach to strengthening the healthcare network: reinforcing the severe essential medical network, optimizing the management of emergency medical resources, and establishing a systematic approach to handling emergency patients who may face difficulties accessing care.
Frontline medical staff voiced concerns about persistent staffing shortages, particularly in provincial areas, stemming from recent legislative disputes and the resulting resignations. They highlighted the difficulties in attracting and retaining colleagues due to perceived disparities in working conditions.
Responding to these concerns, President Lee pledged to work with the Minister of Health and Welfare to develop a comprehensive support package for Corona Public Medical Centers facing revenue losses. He also expressed keen interest in expanding the use of doctor helicopters, seeking input on the optimal deployment strategy – favoring a centralized, nationwide approach over a regionally divided system.
Concluding the visit, President Lee urged the medical staff to prioritize patient care, stating, “Please take care of the scene so that the people can enjoy a peaceful holiday.”
