Shin Kyeyong, the mayor of Gwacheon, praised the recent approval for the construction of Ajou University Hospital, stating, "This approval is the result of our ongoing efforts to persuade the government and Gyeonggi Province to secure bed capacity, marking a historic turning point in the establishment of a general hospital in Gwacheon."
On this day, Mayor Shin announced, "We have received preliminary approval from the Ministry of Health and Welfare for the establishment of a medical institution with 262 beds."
With the passing of the preliminary review by the Ministry, which Shin has focused on to secure beds for the hospital, a green light has been given for the construction project.
This preliminary review is a process that examines the appropriateness of the project plan and the feasibility of adding new beds, in accordance with regional bed supply plans and medical laws.
The government's direction for bed supply management and criteria for appropriate bed distribution by region have been comprehensively reflected.
Mayor Shin has actively communicated the need for a general hospital, as well as emergency and maternity services, to improve the poor medical environment in Gwacheon, which has lacked even an emergency room and maternity ward. He has visited the Ministry of Health and Welfare and Gyeonggi Province multiple times to advocate for the construction and bed capacity.
In particular, he has met directly with relevant officials, including the Minister and Vice Minister of Health and Welfare and members of the National Assembly, to explain the medical realities in Gwacheon and request a swift approval of the preliminary review.
With this preliminary approval, the construction project for Ajou University Hospital has secured a foundation to move to the next stage.
Once the approval from the Gyeonggi Province Medical Institution Establishment Committee is completed, subsequent procedures such as the establishment of a special purpose corporation (SPC) and land purchase contracts will follow.
Mayor Shin also plans to actively respond to the upcoming bed supply management plan to secure additional beds and continue to expand local medical services, including emergency and essential care.
Public expectations are growing. One resident expressed, "The lack of an emergency room and maternity ward in Gwacheon has been one of the biggest medical inconveniences, so I am glad that the construction of a general hospital is becoming a reality. I hope this approval leads to smooth construction and opening."
Another resident noted, "Having a reliable general hospital nearby is a significant change for those raising children or caring for elderly family members. I hope the hospital will be equipped with essential medical services, including emergency and maternity care, along with expanded bed capacity."
Mayor Shin stated that he will accelerate the construction of Ajou University Hospital and the development of the Makgye-dong special planning area following the Ministry of Health and Welfare's preliminary approval.
He added, "I will ensure that Ajou University Hospital becomes a regional medical hub responsible for emergency and essential care by smoothly advancing the subsequent procedures."
Additionally, Mayor Shin plans to actively respond to the bed supply management plan to secure more beds and continuously promote the expansion of local medical infrastructure.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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