Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, the acting president, said on the 25th, "I will do my utmost to create an environment where returning medical students can focus solely on their studies."
During the opening remarks of the Cabinet meeting he chaired at the Government Seoul Complex in Jongno-gu, Seoul, the acting Prime Minister stated, "This week is the 'last golden time' for resuming academic activities and normalizing education and a crucial threshold for normalizing medical education."
He noted, "Medical students are gradually returning to classes, but there are still many who have not yet returned to the classroom, which weighs heavily on my heart," and said, "It is truly a regrettable situation when thinking about the future of each medical student, as well as the future of our citizens and patients."
He continued, "The government has initiated medical reform for the sake of the citizens, patients, and the medical community; we have reached a point that can no longer be delayed due to accumulated crisis signals such as the lack of essential medical personnel and infrastructure, the so-called 'emergency room roundabout' phenomenon, and the marginalization of local medical services."
The acting Prime Minister expressed confidence that, although he participated as a member of the bipartisan legislative council for a brief period last year, the medical community can act as a principal agent in medical reform alongside the government, stating, "Although there may be some differences in specifics, we share the goal of a 'sustainable high-level medical system.'"
He remarked, "The government's goal is to build a K-medical system that is better than any other country in the world, hand in hand with the government, the medical community, and patients," adding, "The understanding and participation of the members of the medical community who have supported our excellent medical system is essential, as well as your empathy and support from the citizens."
The acting Prime Minister also stated his intention to focus on responding to the uncertainty of trade originating from the United States. He noted, "The impact of the U.S. trade war is hitting the entire world, and the difficulties faced by small businesses and self-employed individuals are increasing due to sluggish domestic demand and rising prices," adding, "I will do my utmost to navigate the tariff storm originating from the U.S. based on the experience gained in trade and diplomacy."
He added, "The situation our country faces is very serious," stating, "I will actively cooperate regardless of political affiliation to ease the crisis facing the lives of the people that is imminent."
The acting Prime Minister emphasized to the Cabinet members, "At this moment, our mission is to protect the safety of the citizens, secure national interests from the trade war, and quickly formulate solutions to the pressing national issues through cooperation with the National Assembly."