Minister Cho Gyu-hong said on the 26th at the general meeting of the Health and Welfare Committee of the National Assembly, “I apologize for not being able to resolve the healthcare gap caused by conflicts in the legislature in a timely manner.” Minister Cho added, “I am sorry for the inconvenience suffered by the citizens, patients, and their families.”
Minister Cho noted that he welcomes the announcement of the intention to return from some resigned residents. The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that in this supplementary budget, the expenses for the training and appropriate management of the medical personnel invested in the residents have been reduced by 41%, from 299.1 billion won to 175.6 billion won. This expense is used to improve the training environment for residents and to provide training allowances. The Ministry believes that once the residents who left the hospitals return in earnest, the budget can be readjusted.
Minister Cho remarked that the announcement of the residents' intention to return came after the submission of the supplementary budget proposal and could not be reflected, stating, “I will closely examine the situation of the residents returning and will adjust the budget related to the residents’ program before it is finalized.” Chairperson Park Joo-min of the Welfare Committee in the National Assembly noted, “It would be good if medical students and residents could trust the government and return to school and the field,” adding, “Efforts will also be made at the National Assembly level.”
Minister Cho announced that the government is discussing the establishment of a medical school in Jeonnam. He stated, “We are preparing plans to promote the establishment of the Jeonnam medical school well,” adding, “We are in consultation with the Presidential Committee on Policy Planning.”