질병관리본부, '질병관리청'으로 승격…복지부 보건차관 신설<br /><br />The Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be promoted to an independent administrative organization, pending approval from National Assembly.<br />Such changes come as South Korea seeks to further strengthen its contagious disease prevention and quarantine systems after COVID-19 highlight the necessity for a comprehensive response system.<br />Our Hong Yoo reports.<br />South Korea will make its Centers for Disease Control and Prevention an independent body, separate from the health ministry, and raise its status to that of an administration.<br />The Ministry of the Interior and Safety said Wednesday that the necessary revision to the Government Organization Act is awaiting approval from National Assembly.<br />But, once approved, the KCDC will have independent power over matters relating to budget, appointing personnel, and organization.<br />The government anticipates that this move will strengthen the KCDC's expertise in contagious disease policy measures and prompt decision making.<br />The new KCDC will be able to carry out its own research and conduct business related to disease prevention while operating nationwide response centers.<br />These centers will offer support for local, community-level quarantine efforts such as epidemiological research.<br />The changes are in line with remarks which President Moon Jae-in made during his special address last month, marking his third year in office.<br />"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will be upgraded to the Disease Control and Prevention Administration to strengthen its expertise and independence. With National Assembly's approval, we will establish a system for two vice ministers within the Ministry of Health and Welfare."<br />With two vice ministers at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, one will be responsible for the welfare sector and one for the health sector.<br />The revision comes as the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for a systematic and professional response to a public health crisis.<br />Hong Yoo, Arirang News.<br />
