The South Korean government has announced plans to invest 10 billion won in 13 regional cancer centers next year as part of an initiative to improve the accessibility and quality of healthcare for cancer patients living outside the capital area. Currently, a significant proportion of cancer patients, particularly those residing in non-metropolitan regions, are forced to travel to Seoul for treatment due to the concentration of high-quality medical facilities and qualified healthcare professionals in the capital. Recent statistics highlight this disparity, with nearly 49% of cancer patients in the country living in the metropolitan area, yet many of them must seek treatment elsewhere due to insufficient local services.

The report reveals that the gap in healthcare utilization between Seoul and other regions is widening. In 2024, for instance, the surgical satisfaction rate among cancer patients was reported at 91.8% in Seoul, markedly higher than other regions like Daegu and Busan. The national average stands at only 63.6%, indicating that patients in regions such as Gyeonggi and Gyeongbuk are experiencing particularly low rates of local surgical treatment, which points to significant healthcare access issues. The study cites the modernization of facilities and equipment as primary reasons hindering the local treatment of cancer patients, alongside the need for better services and convenient access.

To combat these challenges, the Ministry of Health and Welfare aims to develop a self-sufficient cancer care system centered around the newly funded regional centers. By enhancing diagnostic, surgical, and post-treatment capabilities at these centers, the government hopes to reduce the reliance on metropolitan hospitals. This initiative reflects a broader strategy to tackle healthcare inequalities and ensure that all cancer patients, regardless of their location, receive timely and adequate care without necessitating travel to the capital for essential medical services.