Gyeongbuk Province submits plan for new national medical school

Gyeongbuk Province has officially submitted its plan to establish a national medical school at Kyungpook National University, targeting an opening in 2030. The proposal, submitted to the Ministry of Education, outlines the necessity of the new school, plans for its facilities, and the provincial government's support.

The initiative is framed not just as a means to increase the number of doctors in the region, but as a crucial step toward building a self-sufficient regional healthcare system and fostering balanced development. Gyeongbuk, the largest province by area excluding Sejong, is the only region without a tertiary general hospital and has the lowest doctor-to-population ratio in South Korea.

Specifically, the plan details the establishment of a medical school with an annual enrollment of 100 students and a 500-bed affiliated hospital. The proposed site is in the provincial government complex area straddling Andong and Yecheon, with an estimated project cost of 430.5 billion won (approximately $310 million USD).

The province intends for the new medical school to cultivate local and essential healthcare professionals, becoming a central hub for Gyeongbuk's medical system. A key component of the plan is the "regional doctor system," which would require all admitted students to serve in the region for 10 years after graduation, addressing the low retention rate of medical graduates from existing institutions.

This move comes as Gyeongbuk faces significant healthcare challenges, with residents in the northern parts of the province often needing to travel to Daegu or even Seoul for specialized treatment. The provincial government is collaborating with local entities, including Kyungpook National University and the research institute, to solidify this plan, emphasizing administrative and financial support.

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Gyeongbuk Province will focus on providing administrative and financial support for the establishment of the medical school and the construction of the educational hospital, centered around the 'Kyungpook National University Medical School and Regional Medical Development Council' involving KNU, Andong City, and Yecheon County.