The South Korean government plans to increase medical school admissions to address a shortage of doctors in local and essential healthcare by 2031, although it is uncertain if this will fully meet the projected future needs.
In an effort to alleviate the severe shortage of doctors in local and essential healthcare in South Korea, the government has announced a plan to increase the number of medical graduates significantly over the next five years. From 2024 to 2029, more than 3,000 medical students are expected to graduate as public and local doctors, beginning with an infusion of 490 new spots for the 2027 school year. Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong has emphasized that this move is a critical initial step towards reforming the regional and public healthcare system. Despite this increase, there is controversy surrounding the government's ability to meet future doctor shortage estimates, a topic that remains contentious within the medical community.
The decision to expand medical school enrollment comes amid ongoing tensions between the government and the medical profession, particularly under the current administration. The Ministry of Health and Welfare stated that due to unresolved conflicts during past administrations, they had to compromise on the number of new positions to maintain the quality of medical education. This rise in the number of trained doctors includes plans for establishing new public medical schools and enhancing training capabilities in areas lacking medical educational institutions. The total target for medical school admissions is projected to reach over 3,800 by 2031.
The increased enrollment will primarily focus on selecting rural doctors who will receive financial support from the government and local authorities. In exchange, these graduates will be obligated to practice in their designated regions for at least ten years after obtaining their medical licenses. This initiative aims to ensure a sustainable number of healthcare professionals dedicated to local healthcare needs, alleviating some of the pressure on public health services. However, the overall effectiveness of this plan in addressing the long-term doctor shortage remains to be seen as the healthcare landscape continues to evolve in South Korea.
