President Yoon Seok-yeol instructed, “Medical reform should be promoted quickly and in accordance with principles.”
At a meeting of chief secretaries held at the Yongsan Presidential Office this morning, President Yoon “emphasized a thorough emergency response and principled response to emergency and seriously ill patients,” Spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung said in a briefing.
President Yoon later explained the need for medical reform at a luncheon with religious leaders held at the Blue House Sangchunjae and expressed gratitude to each religious group for issuing statements supporting the government’s medical reform out of respect for life, the President’s Office reported.
One leader said, “We should not back down in a situation where medical reform is receiving national support,” and suggested, “Let’s consider the direction in which the religious community can jointly issue a statement in response to the government’s efforts.” Another leader said, “We Spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung said, “We will consider whether there is a need for the (religious community) to meet with the medical association and persuade them.”
Meanwhile, when an official from the President’s Office met with reporters and asked about the Seoul National University Medical School Faculty Association’s decision to collectively resign, he said, “Professors cannot be exempt from collective action of leaving the field in violation of medical law.”
At the same time, he said, “It is best not to submit a resignation letter on the spot by issuing a medical treatment maintenance order or business start order,” but explained, “If such an incident occurs, the position of the President’s Office is to proceed according to principle through various legal procedures.”
He went on to say, “Efforts for dialogue will continue,” but also said, “We will not engage in dialogue unless (the government) withdraws,” and “We will engage in dialogue only if the government withdraws.” It seems difficult to view this as a true intention for dialogue.”
When asked whether ‘increasing the number of medical school students by 2,000’ could then also be a subject of discussion, this official said, “I don’t think it means not having a dialogue unless you set a premise (for dialogue) and withdraw it,” and added, “The President’s Office needs 2,000 people.” “I have the confidence and basis to explain that,” he said, adding, “I have never heard why (the medical community) says an increase of 350 people is appropriate, and the forum for dialogue on this is open.”
2024-03-12 07:49:02
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