Cho Gyu-hong again urges the medical community to participate in the ruling and opposition party councils
“Decreased mild cases… “After visiting the emergency room, specialist consultation time is reduced.”
The government persuaded the medical community that “we are ready to engage in dialogue at any time with a sincere attitude,” and that “it is okay to propose a separate format, so let’s open the door to dialogue.”
Minister of Health and Welfare Cho Gyu-hong held a meeting of the ‘Doctors’ Collective Action Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters’ on the 17th and said, “On the 10th, there was a discussion on medical reform between the government and the Seoul National University Medical School emergency committee. “Although we were unable to narrow the differences in our positions, it is meaningful that we started a dialogue to solve the problem,” he said. “I hope that these efforts will continue and open the way for dialogue with the medical community.”
“We once again ask for your participation in the ruling and opposition party council and the special committee on medical reform,” he said. “You may also suggest a separate format like this medical reform debate.” He reiterated that the government is ready to engage in dialogue at any time with a sincere attitude.
Minister Cho then urged the medical community to recommend expert members for the ‘Manpower Supply and Demand Estimation Committee’, which will be held until the 18th.
Minister Cho said, “The Human Resources Supply and Demand Estimation Committee was organized so that the majority of experts were recommended by supplier organizations, so that the special characteristics of the relevant occupation and the opinions of stakeholders could be fully considered during the discussion process.” He added, “The supply and demand estimate results derived through discussions with experts from various fields are “As it is the basis for establishing manpower policy, we ask for the active participation of medical groups, supplier groups, consumer groups, and related research institutes,” he said.
They also encouraged applications for the ‘Superior General Hospital Structural Transformation Support Project’.
Minister Cho emphasized, “Through this project, we will allow tertiary general hospitals to focus on severe treatment and strengthen cooperation with local hospitals and clinics, while also allowing residents to receive training in better conditions.”
He continued, “As some are concerned, the reduction in resident positions does not mean that opportunities for residents wishing to return are diminished,” adding, “The government will actively support tertiary general hospitals to ensure a stable structural transition.” “We ask for a lot of interest and participation from tertiary general hospitals,” he appealed.
He said, “The government will continue to work to maintain the emergency medical care system and normalize medical care, and will do its best to complete medical reform.”
In addition, Minister Cho said that although it is not an easy situation, the emergency medical care system is being maintained normally when looking at trends in treatment volume, emergency medical services, and cancer patient treatment.
According to Minister Cho, the volume of treatment at tertiary general hospitals and general hospitals was about 97% for hospitalization and 93% for surgery compared to normal as of the end of last month.
In the case of emergency medical care, as of the beginning of this month, compared to normal times, the number of mild patients visiting the emergency room was about 73%, and the number of severe and emergency patients was about 92%.
Additionally, the number of patients with mild symptoms decreased, and the first consultation time by a specialist after visiting the emergency room was 17.9 minutes, 6.8 minutes less than usual.
The arrival time at the emergency room after onset of illness remains similar to previous years, with approximately 33% taking less than 2 hours and 18% taking less than 1 hour.
Minister Cho said, “However, there are difficulties in maintaining emergency medical capabilities due to increased fatigue of medical staff, so we are extending medical support and operating a rotating duty system and disease network.”
He continued, “In the case of treating cancer patients, cancer surgeries at tertiary general hospitals decreased by 16% from March to June compared to the same period last year, but patients are moving to general hospitals and switching to other treatment methods such as chemotherapy.” “We are supporting treatment by operating 70 partner hospitals,” he said.
He said, “Despite difficult conditions, the emergency medical care system is maintained thanks to the cooperation of the public and the dedication of medical staff on site. I would like to express my deepest gratitude once again.”
(Seoul = News 1)