The Government’s Plan to Transfer National University Hospitals
The government is making efforts to change the affiliation of national university hospitals from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. This move aims to improve regional and essential medical services. However, nine national university hospitals across the country have expressed their opposition to this transfer.
On the 10th, the Regional Essential Medical Strengthening Task Force (TF) of the National University Hospitals Association released a statement on behalf of the nine regional national university hospitals. The statement was signed by Gangwon National University Hospital, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Pusan National University Hospital, Chonnam National University Hospital, Chonbuk National University Hospital, Jeju National University Hospital, Chungnam National University Hospital, and Chungbuk National University Hospital. Notably, Seoul National University Hospital did not sign the statement.
Survey Results Highlight Strong Opposition
The association revealed that a survey conducted from the 4th to the 6th among 1,063 professors from the nine hospitals found that 79.9% opposed the transfer to the Ministry of Health and Welfare. This opposition rate has increased from 73% in a similar survey conducted last September. Professors raised concerns about the potential weakening of educational and research capabilities, as well as the lack of a realistic mid- to long-term plan for strengthening regional, essential, and public healthcare.
Government’s Policy Objectives
The transfer of national university hospitals to the Ministry of Health and Welfare is one of President Lee Jae-myung’s key policy tasks. The goal is to establish national university hospitals as “regional hub hospitals” to enhance regional, essential, and public healthcare. To achieve this, the government is working on revising the National University Hospital Establishment Act. Additionally, it has created a “Regional Essential Public Healthcare Strengthening Consultative Body” with national university hospital directors and is conducting on-site meetings with the nine hospitals sequentially.
Warnings from Hospitals
In their statement, the hospitals warned that if the government proceeds with the transfer despite the strong opposition from 80% of professors, it could weaken regional, essential, and public healthcare services. They emphasized the need for more time for discussion and deliberation to prevent this issue from escalating into another conflict between the government and the medical community. The hospitals also criticized the lack of a comprehensive plan or roadmap to elevate treatment capabilities to the level of the “Big 5” hospitals.
Seoul National University Hospital’s Position
Unlike the regional national university hospitals, transferring Seoul National University Hospital’s jurisdiction requires revising the separate Seoul National University Hospital Establishment Act. However, Seoul National University Hospital also holds a significantly negative stance toward the transfer to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
Conclusion
The debate over the transfer of national university hospitals highlights the complex relationship between government policy and the medical community. While the government aims to strengthen regional healthcare, the hospitals are concerned about the potential impact on education, research, and the overall quality of healthcare services. As discussions continue, finding a balanced approach that addresses these concerns will be crucial for the future of national university hospitals.