Kim Moon-soo, the presidential candidate from the People Power Party, visited the Korean Medical Association on the 22nd and expressed his sincere apology for the ongoing conflict between the government and the medical community caused by the 'expansion of medical school enrollment' promoted by the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, bowing his head. He also promised that, if elected president, 'a groundbreaking change will occur' and pledged to restore the healthcare system based on 'smooth communication.'
That afternoon, Kim visited the Korean Medical Association in Yongsan, Seoul, and stated, 'I have always respected doctors the most. I listen to their words just after my wife,' lightening the mood.
He continued, 'Why have we disagreed with such wonderful doctors? What reason would there be for a conflict between doctors and the government?' He added, 'As someone responsible in the government, I sincerely apologize.'
Kim said, 'If not just a few, but almost all doctors are raising issues, we cannot help but acknowledge our mistakes,' and noted, 'We must change. I will do that.'
'It is not to take the doctors' side, but the government's role is to enable doctors to work better. Through this, patients should receive necessary medical services quickly,' he emphasized.
Emphasizing active communication with the medical community during the healthcare policy formulation process, Kim stated, 'If I become president, there will be groundbreaking changes in the (institutional sector) of the healthcare system,' promising that 'it is the role of the president and the government to ensure that doctors feel pride in their profession and can serve to the best of their abilities.'
Kim Tae-woo, the president of the Korean Medical Association, responded, 'I believe the candidate deeply understands the consequences of implementing unreasonable policies that excluded experts, and that is why he has proposed restoring the healthcare community and revisiting this issue as a pledge.'
'I think his expression of rebuilding the collapsed healthcare system reflects an acute awareness of the issues surrounding this situation and that he feels the need for reorganization more seriously than other candidates,' he noted.
'Moreover, I appreciate his commitment to establishing the Future Medical Committee under the direct control of the president and inviting medical students to participate, as well as his intention to promote policies that will allow essential medical talent to take pride in their work, indicating an understanding of the current situation,' he expressed gratitude.
'Now is the time to normalize healthcare,' he said, requesting, 'Please ensure that the voices from the healthcare field are sufficiently reflected in the policy-making process by establishing a transparent and rational structure.'