On October 10, the South Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare convened the Health and Medical Policy Assessment Committee to implement a structured increase in medical school admissions, averaging 668 more students per year over the next five years. This decision concludes a prolonged discussion sparked by the previous administration's proposal to significantly expand admissions by 2,000 students annually, which had caused significant conflict between medical professionals and the government. The recent resolution is seen as only the beginning of further necessary measures to bolster regional and essential medical services across the country.

The plan outlines specific increments starting in the 2027 academic year, beginning with 490 additional students, followed by increases to 613 per year for 2028 and 2029, culminating in 813 more students for 2030 and 2031. The focus will be on selecting candidates for training as regional physicians from 32 medical schools outside of Seoul, addressing the chronic shortage of medical professionals faced by the country, especially in underserved areas. Although there is widespread acknowledgment of the need for more doctors, previous attempts at expansion had been met with resistance from the medical community, making this new agreement a significant step towards clearer pathways for medical education and workforce stability.

Despite this progress, significant challenges remain ahead. The proposed increases will only cover about 75% of the projected doctor shortages anticipated by 2037, particularly with the current situation of medical students facing educational disruptions. A reassessment of doctor supply every five years is mandated, and adjustments to the program must be made to ensure that the areas which need doctors the most can feel the impacts of these reforms. Newly trained physicians will be required to serve at regional public healthcare facilities for ten years, and it is essential to devise strategies that prevent an influx of personnel into urban centers or large hospitals. Additionally, support must be provided for existing doctors to augment service delivery in these areas before new graduates join the workforce, which necessitates a stable financial commitment from the government to secure these outcomes.