Korean Prime Minister: "We Will Establish a Regional Self-Contained Medical System Through Healthcare Reform"

by Lee Kimin

Published 15 Mar.2024 15:35(KST)

Receiving timely and appropriate treatment in one's residential area is a right

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stated on the 15th, "The government will establish a robust regional medical system through healthcare reform."

On the same day, Prime Minister Han visited Masan Medical Center in Gyeongnam to inspect the emergency medical system and emphasized, "We will swiftly implement measures to strengthen regional healthcare."

Prime Minister Han said, "Receiving timely and appropriate treatment in the area where one lives is a fundamental right as a citizen," and added, "The government will complete healthcare reform based on public support, so local governments and regional medical centers should also join forces."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The government's plan includes significantly increasing the quota for local talent admissions in medical schools from the current 40% and introducing a contract-based mandatory physician system to encourage long-term regional service.

In particular, the government plans to increase the number of professors at national university hospitals by 1,000 and support the 'Regional Healthcare Innovation Pilot Project' with up to 50 billion won over three years to promote cooperation among regional medical institutions. They also intend to eliminate medical disparities between regions through customized regional medical fees and the establishment of a Regional Healthcare Development Fund.

Furthermore, out of the 128.5 billion won in contingency funds allocated for operating the emergency medical system, 39.3 billion won will be used for holiday and night shift allowances for local emergency medical personnel.