eFM News

President Moon Jae-in has called for a review of a plan to transfer control of a state-run research institute from the current Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to the health ministry.

According to a Cheong Wa Dae official, Moon's order was made following controversy over the government's plan to expand and transfer the KCDC's National Institute of Health in charge of infectious disease treatment and vaccine research to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

KCDC Director Jung Eun-kyeong and some civilian experts voiced a negative view about the move, saying the organization requires its own research arm and function even if its administrative status is upgraded.

The interior ministry unveiled a plan Wednesday under which the status of the KCDC will be elevated to an independent administrative agency with power to handle its own budget and personnel matters so it can better respond to infectious diseases in the country.