MOHW Minister Hears Jeolla Emergency Care Frontline Feedback, Pays Tribute to Late NEMC Director

- Held an on-site roundtable on the Jeolla regional emergency medical system -

- Attended the 7th memorial ceremony honoring the late Yoon Han-deok, former Director of the National Emergency Medical Center (NEMC) -

Jeong Eun Kyeong, Minister of Health and Welfare, visited Chonnam National University Hwasun Hospital on Wednesday, February 4, where she convened a roundtable at 3 p.m. on emergency patient transport systems in Gwangju, Jeollabuk-do, and Jeollanam-do to hear feedback from frontline personnel. She then attended the 7th memorial ceremony honoring the late Yoon Han-deok, former Director of the National Emergency Medical Center (under the National Medical Center).

The Jeolla regional emergency medical system roundtable brought together representatives from Gwangju Metropolitan City, Jeonbuk State (Jeollabuk-do), Jeollanam-do, regional fire departments, and regional emergency medical centers. Minister Jeong received briefings on emergency medical care issues in each jurisdiction and heard on-the-ground feedback on regional emergency patient transport systems.

Noting that the Jeolla region has fewer medical resources than the Seoul metropolitan area and faces geographic constraints from its islands and mountainous terrain, Minister Jeong stressed the need for well-coordinated transport systems for high-acuity patients and the appropriate deployment of emergency medical helicopters and other transport resources.

Following the roundtable, Minister Jeong attended the 7th memorial ceremony honoring the late Yoon Han-deok, who helped lay the foundation for Korea’s emergency medical system, and paid tribute to his service and dedication. After entering public service in 2002, Director Yoon played a central role in building the backbone of the national emergency medical system, including establishing the National Emergency Department Information System (NEDIS), introducing the emergency medical institution evaluation system, and advancing the rollout of emergency medical helicopters and regional trauma centers. In 2019, he tragically passed away from acute cardiac arrest, reportedly linked to overwork, after working late in his office during the Lunar New Year holiday to improve emergency medical care.

At the ceremony, the 5th Yoon Han-deok Award―established to honor his lifelong dedication to emergency medical care―was presented to lawmaker Lee Ju-young.

In her memorial address, Minister Jeong stated, “I am once again deeply reminded of the profound responsibility of safeguarding lives―a mission Director Yoon devoted his entire life to. Building on the path he paved, we will focus our efforts on strengthening the emergency medical system so that everyone can receive timely and appropriate emergency care anytime, anywhere.” 

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