Minister Cho Gyu-hong noted in his New Year's address on the 31st that he will "faithfully promote medical reforms to eliminate healthcare gaps and save lives and communities."
Minister Cho first expressed sadness over the unfortunate aircraft accident that occurred at the end of the year, saying, "It is very regrettable that the new year, which should shine brightly with hope, is filled with sorrow and concern," and offered his condolences to the victims' families. He added, "The Ministry of Health and Welfare feels heavy responsibility along with deep sorrow and will ensure thorough support for psychological services and funerals."
Minister Cho stated, "This year, the Ministry has pushed forward with various reform tasks with a sense of urgency, recognizing that we cannot miss the 'golden time' to enhance the sustainability of the Republic of Korea and improve the quality of life of its citizens in response to changes in economic and social structures." He continued, "We expanded the number of medical school admissions for the first time in 27 years, making it a landmark year for medical reform aimed at saving lives and communities," adding that various policies aimed at improving the fundamental structure of regional and essential medical services were implemented.
Minister Cho emphasized that in the new year, "we will establish a training system for excellent medical personnel that resonates with both citizens and healthcare providers and dramatically innovate the medical delivery and compensation systems." He further stated, "By strengthening the safety net for medical accidents, we will ensure that patients can receive timely assistance and that medical personnel can work with pride without worries about lawsuits."
He also pointed to achievements such as the announcement of a national pension reform plan, the expansion of support for childbirth and childcare, and the largest increase in the median income standard for three consecutive years.
Despite these efforts, Minister Cho remarked, "There is still a long and arduous road ahead," noting that "the difficulties faced by vulnerable groups continue, and the low birthrate indicators are still difficult to view optimistically despite recent rebounds, and the healthcare gaps and emergency medical response systems have become prolonged, which is regrettable." Nevertheless, he affirmed, "We must overcome the challenges before us for ourselves and future generations and continue with our reforms."
He spoke about the pension reform plan, stating, "We will continue with tasks for the future in a direction that resonates with and actively engages the current generation," adding, "We will fully support the National Assembly's discussion process to ensure that a pension reform that encompasses all generations bears fruit."
He also said, "We will strengthen income support for vulnerable groups and expand support for new welfare needs, such as family caregiving youths, isolated and reclusive youths, and those at risk of dying alone, while enhancing caregiving support."
Minister Cho emphasized, "We will make every effort to create an environment where safe and healthy childbirth is supported and the burden of parenting is alleviated so that childbirth can be a choice welcomed by both individuals and society." He also stated, "Through the expansion of R&D to solve difficult issues in the health sector, the utilization of medical data, and regulatory innovation, we will nurture bio-health to function not only as a future growth engine but also as a support for improving the health of the nation."