Chapter 18 National health first priority

When I was the first lady, I always tried my best to replace my mother and take care of the poor who were forgotten by society.Although the problem of people’s hunger has been greatly improved at that time, there are still many people who are sick but unable to seek medical treatment. Therefore, my mother set up the "Yuehui Free Clinic" to take care of those who could not receive medical care.I will never forget what I saw when I went to service with my mother.The patients who queued up in long queues to receive medicines did not have the slightest will to live in their expressions.Families that are struggling to eat alone, if there is one more sick person in the family, life will naturally become more difficult.In that era, as long as you can live healthy until your death, it is the greatest blessing.

After my mother passed away, I was hit hard, which led to a whole change in my physique. For a while, I also suffered from poor physical condition. Even in the hot summer, I kept sneezing and got tired very easily.When I was not feeling well, I couldn’t lift my spirits. Once I had a high fever, and I was tortured for several days. After going through this kind of torture, I realized how important it is to have a healthy body. I took my volunteering very seriously at the free clinic, helping the nurses with their patients and telling their stories.They all said in unison that the biggest worry in life is getting sick. If they can buy medicine and go to the hospital for treatment without worry, they can take the biggest burden off their shoulders.

"Mr. Doctor, my daughter-in-law is sick, but she hasn't been able to go to the hospital or take any medicine." An old woman cried sadly, which made me feel sad.For people living in poverty, the threshold for hospitals is too high, and it is imperative to establish a medical insurance system as soon as possible. Questions about health insurance are constantly being questioned without any real results.Although the Medicare Act was enacted in 1963, it has not been properly implemented in practice.Only a small number of medical insurance associations have been established in the country to implement demonstration insurance business, but they have not given back to the people for many years.

In December 1976, I established a night hospital in the building of Seoul Theological University of Holiness Church for those suffering.Physicians and university medical students volunteered to help with diagnosis and treatment, and the people's response was overwhelming.There, the elderly can enjoy unconditional free treatment, and ordinary people only charge actual expenses.In addition, the Blood Donation Headquarters was established for the first time.This hospital was renamed "Xinxin Hospital" in 1979, and as of 1987, the cumulative number of patients who visited Xinxin Hospital reached 4.3 million.If the free medical treatment is converted into registration fees, the total amount is as high as 10 billion won.Afterwards, the Polio Youth Hall was opened, and medical supplies were continuously delivered here.

Occasionally, my father would go to the night free clinic to check the diagnosis and treatment site. Seeing the crowds of patients, my father's expression could not hide his sadness.So I said to him: "Our country also urgently needs a complete medical welfare system." After careful consideration, my father decided to lay the foundation of the medical insurance system.Although many economists and related people objected: "It is too early to implement such a policy in terms of the current economic situation where the national income is less than one thousand dollars." However, my father continued to promote it with his firm will and determination. the system.When it is not easy to fill our stomachs, this system is indeed premature if we only focus on the present, but it is indeed a necessary system if we look to the near future.

In 1976, the existing "Medical Insurance Law" was finally fully revised, and from July 1, 1977, a compulsory medical insurance system was implemented for companies with five or more employees.The implementation of the medical insurance system has formed public opinion related to national welfare, and has also become an opportunity to start the national welfare policy.Later, with the support of the state, the Korean Leprosy Hospital Research Institute was established, which also promoted the establishment of a hospital for the elderly. The introduction and development process of the medical insurance system has amazed the advanced countries, and our medical insurance policy is also in full swing.Although many difficulties have been encountered in the process of promotion, this is the first signal flare towards an advanced welfare country.This is also something that I have devoted a lot of energy and enthusiasm to during my tenure as the first lady, so it also has a considerable sense of accomplishment for me.

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