On November 26, a “debate calling for the establishment of a new Gyeongsangbuk-do National Medical university” was held in the conference room of the National Assembly Building.
About 450 people attended the debate, including Andong Mayor Kwon Ki-chang, Andong University President Jeong Tae-joo, People Power party National Assembly member Kim Hyeong-dong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo, and a city-wide civic group for attracting a national medical school to Andong, showing their desire to establish a national medical school in Andong.
At the discussion held on this day, President Jeong Tae-joo of Andong National University took the chair and gave a keynote speech on the justification for establishing Gyeongsangbuk-do National Medical Collage, followed by Kim Jin-hyun, professor of nursing school at Seoul National University, Kim Ju-yeon, head of the talent Development Policy Division of the Ministry of Education, Bang Yeong-sik, head of the Medical Human Resources Policy Division of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, and Yoon Seong-yong. Gyeongsangbuk-do Health Policy Department Director, Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Council Administrative Health and Welfare Committee chairman Kwon Gwang-taek, Gyeongsangbuk-do Andong Medical center Director Lee Guk-hyeon, etc. Medical policy Experts participated as discussants and exchanged heated opinions on the topic of ‘measures to resolve the shortage of doctors and gaps in essential medical services among regions.’
Meanwhile, the Gyeongbuk region has the lowest medical resource infrastructure in the country and a shortage of health care personnel, making it arduous for residents to use excellent medical services. Accordingly, Andong University and Andong City have continued various activities to attract a medical school, including an online signature campaign for the medical school, feasibility studies for the establishment of a medical school, policy research, debates, city/city council/university joint cooperation declaration ceremonies, and large-scale citizen protests.
Andong Mayor Kwon Ki-chang pointed out the problem of poor local medical infrastructure as one of the causes of the regional extinction crisis and said, “Establishing public health care infrastructure and securing medical personnel is a preemptive measure to prevent regional extinction.” He also said, “We hope that this debate will serve as an chance for the National Assembly, the government, local governments, and citizens to all agree on the feasibility of establishing a medical school and come together.”
Tae-joo Jeong, President of Andong national University, emphasized, “The establishment of a national medical school in the Gyeongbuk region is not only a matter directly related to the health rights of citizens but also the survival of the local region, and is a national task and responsibility that must be urgently resolved in terms of balanced national development.” “We will do our best to attract Andong National University Medical School to resolve medical inequality in the Gyeongbuk region,” he said.
Andong City (Mayor Kwon Ki-chang) held a policy debate on building a road network in the northern Gyeongsangbuk-do region at the Nakdong Hall in the Daedong Hall of Andong City Hall on Wednesday, november 27.
This debate was prepared to discuss the development of regional road networks and balanced development plans, and was chaired by Dr. Chang-ho Geum (Korea Institute for Policy Analysis). In the topic presentation, Professor Hyeon Kim of korea National University of Transportation presented on the topic of ‘Establishment of a road network in the northern Gyeongbuk region (Yeongju~Andong~Yeongyang~Yeongdeok) to respond to regional extinction and balanced development’ and emphasized the need to build a road network in the northern Gyeongbuk region. Dr. Sangrok Kim of the Korea research Institute for Human Settlements and Dr. Junseok Park of the Korea Transport Institute participated as discussants and had in-depth discussions.
The discussion included: ▲Tasks for building a road network in all directions, responding to regional extinction, and proposing a direction for balanced regional development; ▲The need to build a road network between Bukhu and Dosan and diversifying ways to advance into the metropolitan area, Sejong City, and the East Coast based on this; ▲The impact of road network expansion on the local economy. Ripple effect ▲The main focus is the formation of a consensus on the need to reflect it in the 6th national road and national map construction plan and the possibility of building a road network in the northern Gyeongbuk region. I achieved it.
Andong Mayor Kwon Ki-chang said, “the northern Gyeongbuk region is one of the remotest transportation regions, and improving the transportation surroundings is an essential task to respond to regional extinction and achieve balanced development.” He added, “In keeping with the wishes of the residents of the northern Gyeongbuk region, adjacent local governments are working to reflect the east-west axis road network in the northern Gyeongbuk region.” “I will do my best with (Yeongju, Yeongyang, and Yeongdeok),” he said.
Economy Queen Reporter Hongmi kim / Photo Andong city
How can local communities engage in supporting the establishment of a medical university in their region?
Interview between the Editor of Time.news and Dr. Kim Jin-hyun, Professor of Nursing at Seoul National University
Editor: Good afternoon, Dr. Kim. Thank you for joining us today to discuss the recent debate concerning the establishment of a new national medical university in Gyeongsangbuk-do, particularly in Andong. It sounds like a vital topic for healthcare in the region.
Dr. Kim: Good afternoon! I appreciate the opportunity to discuss such an important issue. The establishment of a national medical university could truly transform healthcare accessibility in Gyeongsangbuk-do.
Editor: Absolutely! The debate on November 26 brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including local officials, university representatives, and health policy experts. What was the main sentiment you observed among the attendees?
Dr. Kim: There was a palpable sense of urgency and collective determination among the attendees. With around 450 participants, including influential figures like Andong Mayor Kwon Ki-chang and Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo, it’s clear that the community is rallying behind this cause. Everyone understands the critical gaps in medical services and resources in the region.
Editor: You mentioned gaps in medical resources. Can you elaborate on what specific challenges the Gyeongbuk region faces in terms of healthcare access?
Dr. Kim: Certainly. Gyeongsangbuk-do has the lowest medical resource infrastructure in the contry, leading to a significant shortage of healthcare personnel. This not onyl affects access to essential services but also contributes to overall public health challenges. Residents often find it difficult to receive timely and adequate medical care, which has profound implications for health outcomes.
Editor: That’s concerning. During the debate, you were one of the key speakers addressing the justification for establishing a national medical university. What were your main points?
Dr.Kim: My focus was on how a national medical university could provide a framework for training healthcare professionals tailored to the needs of our region. By doing so, we can prepare a new generation of doctors, nurses, and specialists who are not only skilled but also deeply rooted in their communities. This would directly address the healthcare personnel shortage and improve local medical services.
Editor: It’s encouraging to hear that there are concrete steps being taken. Can you share more about the initiatives that Andong University and the city have undertaken to support this cause?
Dr. Kim: Yes! Andong University has spearheaded multiple initiatives,including an online signature campaign to raise awareness and gather public support,feasibility studies for establishing the medical school,and collaborative efforts with local councils. Additionally, there have been significant community engagements, including debates and public protests aimed at emphasizing the importance of this medical school for regional health outcomes.
Editor: That kind of grassroots involvement is crucial. Speaking of community engagement, how can residents further support this initiative?
Dr. Kim: Our community’s voice is powerful. Residents can participate in ongoing campaigns,attend public discussions,and advocate for their needs. Furthermore, raising awareness through social media and engaging local leaders can help keep this issue at the forefront of regional development discussions.
Editor: Thank you, Dr.kim. It’s evident that establishing a national medical university in Gyeongsangbuk-do can have profound implications for the community’s health and well-being. We hope to see positive developments in this initiative.
Dr. Kim: thank you for highlighting this essential issue. We all have a role to play in enhancing the quality of healthcare in our region,and I’m optimistic that with continued advocacy,we can make it happen.