Lee Kang-deok, a preliminary candidate of the ruling People Power Party for North Gyeongsang Province governor, announced on the 26th that he will establish an integrated care and medical system to address healthcare and welfare blind spots in the province.
According to his campaign pledges, Lee plans to establish the "North Gyeongsang Medical Innovation Task Force" directly under the governor's office and expedite the construction of a research-focused medical school and smart hospital at POSTECH.
"Through this, we will simultaneously pursue advancement in cutting-edge medical technology and regional healthcare service levels," Lee said.
The candidate also pledged to build an integrated medical and emergency response system covering Andong, Yeongju, Bonghwa, Yeongyang, Cheongsong, Uljin, and Ulleung in the northern region, where healthcare accessibility remains weak. To achieve this, he plans to establish a public medical school and tertiary general hospital while expanding public medical institutions in the northern region to strengthen essential healthcare response capabilities.
Considering the characteristics of mountainous and island areas, Lee plans to strengthen telemedicine systems and expand air transport systems including emergency helicopters for emergency response. He will also establish a specialized medical service platform for the elderly to enhance welfare services addressing the aging population.
To ease childbirth and childcare burdens, he announced plans to establish specialized hospitals for children and women in Pohang and Gumi, and to create "a North Gyeongsang where it's good to have and raise children" through expanded public postpartum care centers and subsidies for postpartum care costs across the province.
For transportation welfare, he plans to introduce North Gyeongsang-style public buses and build a demand-responsive public transportation system to guarantee mobility rights for residents in transportation-disadvantaged areas. The free bus ride eligibility age will also be lowered from 70 to 65.
To expand daily welfare infrastructure, he plans to increase support for village halls and senior centers, and build dedicated sports facilities to support athletic activities for people with disabilities. He also plans to construct additional park golf courses to promote sports activities among the elderly.
"Healthcare and welfare are core areas directly linked to residents' quality of life," Lee said. "I will definitely realize 'Safe North Gyeongsang' where everyone can enjoy healthcare services and welfare with peace of mind, regardless of region or age."