Minister Jeong Eun Kyeong Emphasizes Trust and Cooperation After Hearing from the Health and Medical Community

- First roundtable between the Minister of Health and Welfare and leaders of six health and medical organizations -

Minister of Health and Welfare Jeong Eun Kyeong held a luncheon roundtable with leaders of six health and medical organizations at the Koreana Hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul, at noon on Wednesday, September 3.

Attendees included Kim Taek-woo, President of the Korean Medical Association; Lee Sung-kyu, President of the Korean Hospital Association; Park Taekeun, President of the Korean Dental Association; Yoon Sung-chan, President of The Association of Korean Medicine; Hwang Geum-seok, Vice President of the Korean Pharmaceutical Association; and Shin Kyung-rim, President of the Korean Nursing Association.

This was Minister Jeong’s first official meeting with the six organizations since taking office. She expressed appreciation to the health and medical community for their dedication to improving public health and advancing healthcare despite challenging circumstances, and she listened to their views on overall healthcare policy.

The associations discussed field-level challenges and recommendations, and requested regular opportunities to share their perspectives. Minister Jeong responded that the ministry will carefully consider input from all stakeholders and review possible solutions to key issues.

Minister Jeong stated, “I deeply regret and sincerely apologize that the public and patients experienced anxiety and inconvenience due to insufficient communication between the government and the medical community during last year’s conflict over expanding medical school enrollment.” She emphasized, “Restoring trust with both the public and the medical profession will be our top priority to ensure such conflicts are not repeated.”

She added, “To ensure people can access essential medical services safely anytime and anywhere, we will build a regionally integrated essential healthcare system grounded in stronger public healthcare, and create a work environment where healthcare professionals can take pride in their service. These are policy goals shared by both the government and the medical community.” She then urged health and medical associations to actively participate and cooperate in advancing the new administration’s healthcare policies.

###