Assembly Questions Closure of Nation's Only Highway Public Clinic

The Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly is demanding a re-evaluation of the decision to close the Gyeonggi Provincial Anseong Rest Stop Clinic, the nation's sole public medical institution located within a highway rest stop. The clinic, which opened in July 2021 to address healthcare vulnerabilities along expressways and in surrounding areas, is slated to cease operations at the end of August.

Assembly member Myung Sung-sook of the Democratic Party raised concerns about the procedural aspects of the closure. She pointed out that the Gyeonggi Provincial Government notified the Gyeonggi Medical Center of the business sunset on June 30, failing to meet the required three-month notice period before contract termination. Myung criticized the executive branch's unilateral decision-making process, stating it is "highly undesirable" and called for a thorough review of the procedural appropriateness and communication with the assembly and relevant institutions.

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The procedural appropriateness of this business sunset decision and whether sufficient communication was held with the assembly and related institutions must be thoroughly checked.

The provincial government cited the clinic's underperformance against targets and an average annual operating deficit of approximately 400 million won over the past three years as reasons for the closure. Provincial budget support has also steadily decreased since the clinic's opening. Myung argued that operational deficits do not automatically necessitate closure, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of alternative operational methods or functional adjustments before shutting down a public medical facility.

If the Anseong Rest Stop Clinic closes, concerns are mounting over a potential healthcare vacuum for truck drivers experiencing pain during long journeys and for residents in nearby areas with limited medical access. Myung stressed that while reviewing performance and financial burdens is necessary, the closure of a public medical institution requires a more deliberate approach, exploring all possibilities for improvement before making a final decision.

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The closure of a public medical institution requires careful decision-making after fully considering the possibility of improving operational methods or reorganizing functions.