Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong said, "There are concerns that the return rate of medical residents in the field of essential medical services will be low," and noted, "Compensation and alleviation of legal burden are fundamental measures."
On the afternoon of the 18th, Minister Jeong made the remarks during a full meeting of the Health and Welfare Committee at the National Assembly, following a question-and-answer session with People Power Party lawmaker Seo Myeong-ok.
When lawmaker Seo noted, "While the resumption of training for residents in the second half of the year has begun, numerous anticipated side effects exist," Minister Jeong replied, "I am concerned that the return rate in the regional and essential medical fields will be low."
Minister Jeong continued, "We will continue discussions to increase the support rate," and stated, "Ultimately, compensation for essential medical services or strengthening legal safety seems to be fundamental measures. This issue is also included in the national agenda, so we will focus on providing support."
Regarding medical residents discharged for military service and public health doctors, Minister Jeong said, "It is currently difficult to support those who have already gone to the military during this second half of the year," and added, "We plan to review measures to recognize post-return staffing for public health doctors who are already in the military."
Minister Jeong also expressed the need to address the difference in service periods between public health doctors, who serve for three years, and active-duty soldiers, who serve for one year and six months. The disparity in service periods has been cited as a reason for medical students avoiding enlistment as public health doctors. Minister Jeong stated, "I believe that (the service period) needs improvement," and said, "I will work more actively with the Ministry of National Defense."
Regarding the issues of training interruptions due to pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare of medical residents, Minister Jeong stated, "Assurances for pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare are essential," and added, "We will discuss how to secure guarantees for the quality of training through the training council and aim to institutionalize this."