Choi Sang-mok, the Acting President and Deputy Prime Minister, mentioned the need for dialogue in medical reform during a report on social departments. He emphasized that the government would diligently pursue medical reform and invited medical professionals to engage in discussions for efficient policymaking. He left open the possibility of flexible negotiations regarding the number of medical school admissions by 2026 if the medical community participates in talks.
Choi expressed regret for the ongoing tension since the announcement of increased medical school admissions last February, recognizing the concerns and inconveniences faced by citizens and expressing gratitude towards healthcare workers maintaining their duties. He also conveyed his apologies to residents, professors, and medical students impacted by changing their career paths or educational plans.
Choi assured that the government remains committed to advancing medical reforms by persuading and collaborating with those holding differing opinions. He urged the medical community to actively join discussions on strengthening essential and regional healthcare services.
Regarding the broader economic landscape, Choi noted increasing uncertainties and emphasized the importance of safeguarding citizens from being marginalized. The government plans to execute the largest portion of the job budget in history within the first half of the year and will seek to hire over 1.1 million people within the first quarter.
Additional measures include supporting the recovery of domestic demand by subsidizing worker vacation costs and distributing accommodation coupons for non-metropolitan areas from March. In agriculture, comprehensive strategies will address climate-related price stability, and legislation for climate adaptation will be pursued. Choi affirmed the government’s dedication to resolving the humidifier disinfectant disaster and enhancing support for low-income groups with increased budgets for livelihood benefits.
For employment policies, the criteria for employment insurance for platform workers will shift from “time” to “income,” and specialized employment support services will be provided for small business owners. Measures will be implemented to alleviate single-parent child-rearing burdens and provide proactive support for grandparent-headed families.
In education, the government aims to expand the “Always Spring School” program to second-grade elementary students and develop a regional talent pipeline by collaborating with small and medium enterprises. Furthermore, Choi mentioned stringent responses to illegal activities by labor and management, a focus on addressing wage arrears as Lunar New Year approaches, and a substantial increase in green investment for SMEs.
The government also plans to enhance the social safety net by rapidly implementing aid for the underprivileged and expanding opportunities like the youth savings account program.