The closure of pediatric clinics in South Korea has surpassed openings, raising concerns about accessibility and the quality of care for children's health needs.
In South Korea, a concerning trend has emerged in the pediatric healthcare sector, with 89 pediatric clinics closing last year compared to only 59 opening, marking the highest closure rate among all medical specialties. This has led to descriptions of a 'pediatric open run,' highlighting the increasing difficulties for families to access necessary medical care for their children, especially for routine vaccinations and urgent health issues. This trend is alarming as access to pediatric care is vital for children's health, where prompt and efficient medical response is crucial due to the rapid progression of illnesses in children.
Data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service indicate that while a total of 1,840 clinics opened and 1,011 closed across all specialties last year, the pediatric specialty has exhibited a troubling pattern with a closure rate of 150.8%, indicating a dire need for systemic changes. Over the past few years, although pediatric clinic openings outnumbered closures in 2022 and partially in 2023, the spike in closures in 2022 and 2023, with significant dropouts from previous years, signals an urgent need for investigation and intervention by health authorities. The challenge arises from not only the financial viability of these clinics but also a broader implication for community health infrastructure, as the diminishing number of pediatric clinics in local areas threatens to disrupt essential care systems.
Experts, including Choi Yong-jae of the Korean Pediatric Hospital Association, emphasize that the disappearance of local pediatric clinics undermines vital childcare infrastructure in communities, forcing families to relocate for better medical support. With the government's initiatives to enhance reimbursement rates for essential pediatric healthcare and support regions with declining populations, there is a call for stronger national responsibility to sustain these healthcare facilities. Without significant changes to incentivize and support pediatric healthcare providers, the shortage of clinics could lead to greater social costs regarding child health and public welfare.
