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President Lee Jae-myung Pledges Medical Support for Firefighters at National Fire Hospital Opening Ceremony

On the 11th, President Lee Jae-myung attended the opening ceremony of the National Fire Hospital in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, where he emphasized the facility's role as a specialized medical institution responsible for the physical and mental health of firefighters and as a regional hub

Wooil Shim
Staff Reporter
6 min read
President Lee Jae-myung Pledges Medical Support for Firefighters at National Fire Hospital Opening Ceremony
CBC News

On the 11th, President Lee Jae-myung attended the opening ceremony of the National Fire Hospital in Eumseong, North Chungcheong Province, where he emphasized the facility's role as a specialized medical institution responsible for the physical and mental health of firefighters and as a regional hub for public healthcare.

With approximately 150 attendees, including officials from the government, public institutions, local governments, and fire service-related personnel, President Lee addressed various health issues firefighters face on duty, such as illnesses, post-traumatic stress disorder, and depression. He stated that the hospital would serve as a solid sanctuary to heal their mental and physical suffering. He expressed deep respect and gratitude, describing firefighters as those who carry out the state's foremost duty of protecting the lives and safety of the public on the front lines.

President Lee also outlined specific support measures. He pledged active government support to establish the National Fire Hospital as a key national public hospital, including building dormitories to ensure stable working conditions for the medical staff of Seoul National University Hospital, expanding the Fire Medicine Research and Development (R&D) Center, and establishing a 24-hour emergency medical system. In particular, he expressed expectations that the combination of Seoul National University Hospital's world-class clinical expertise and the Fire Medicine Research Institute's data would make the institution a hub for fire medicine focused on preventing and treating occupational illnesses. He added that the hospital would also fulfill its role as a regional public healthcare center in North Chungcheong Province.

Prior to the opening ceremony, President Lee toured key facilities within the hospital, including the hyperbaric oxygen therapy room, the comprehensive rehabilitation center, and the Hero's Rest Area. He received briefings on advanced rehabilitation equipment such as gait rehabilitation robots and wished a speedy recovery to firefighters and local residents receiving treatment. He also inspected the cardiopulmonary rehabilitation testing system and greeted a firefighter from the Goesan Fire Station in North Chungcheong Province.

President Lee stated, "Protecting our heroes is, in itself, protecting the nation and its people," and pledged that while firefighters safeguard citizens in crisis, the government would firmly support those firefighters who are battling their own pain and suffering. He emphasized, "A nation where heroes who save lives in the most dangerous places are protected and treated with the highest level of safety is what guarantees the sustainability of a country," vowing to make sufficient efforts to ensure that the dedication of firefighters is respected and that their pride in their uniforms grows.

Wooil Shim
Staff Reporter

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