The Impact of Increasing Medical School Enrollment in South Korea
As the saying goes, “when interests lead nearly 10,000 doctors to hold patients hostage,” the recent strike by approximately 9,000 interns and resident doctors in South Korea has caused disruptions in essential medical services and emergency care. This strike, initiated by the Korean Medical Association (KMA), is in response to the government’s decision to increase medical school enrollment from 3,058 to 5,058 students annually starting in 2025.
The Urgent Need for Additional Medical Professionals
Statistics show that South Korea currently has 2.1 doctors per 1,000 people, significantly lower than the OECD average of 3.7. To address this shortage, the Korean government aims to increase the enrollment of medical students by more than 2,000 individuals, compensating for the decreasing number of medical graduates, which currently stands at 7,000. This would be the first increase in medical school enrollment since 2006, a crucial step for a rapidly aging society like South Korea.
South Korea has the lowest birth rate in the world, projected to decline even further to 0.72 births per woman by 2023, according to government statistics released on February 28th. This rate is significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 births needed to maintain a stable population. By 2025, South Korea is forecasted to become a “super-aged society,” with individuals aged 65 and above accounting for more than 20% of the population. This proportion is expected to rise to 25.5% by 2030 and 46.4% by 2070.
Concerns and Resistance
However, the government’s decision to increase medical school enrollment has faced fierce opposition from doctors and interns. They argue that the additional 2,000 medical student positions are unnecessary, citing the country’s declining population and the accessibility of healthcare services. South Korea’s outpatient care rate per person is 14.7 visits per year, much higher than the OECD average of 5.9 visits in 2020.
Opponents of the enrollment increase worry that medical students may choose more popular and higher-paying specializations such as plastic surgery and dermatology. Consequently, the ongoing shortage of doctors in critical fields like pediatrics, obstetrics, and emergency care, which have lower salaries, may persist.
Those against the enrollment increase believe that the government should first address issues related to salaries and working conditions in the medical field before increasing the number of doctors. Many resident doctors report low salaries, excessive workload, and a lack of voice. Some even work over 80 hours per week, surpassing the legal limit of 52 hours.
Public Opinion and Patient Impact
The current strike by doctors has not garnered public support. According to a recent Gallup Korea poll, 76% of respondents expressed support for the government’s plan to expand medical school enrollment.
The strike has led to the cancellation of scheduled surgeries and other medical treatments, causing immense frustration for patients. In one heart-wrenching incident, an 80-year-old woman, allegedly denied treatment by seven hospitals due to a lack of medical staff or strike-related reasons, ultimately lost her life. The strike has led to significant distress among the public, leading them to feel like hostages trapped in a dire situation.
The Government’s Response
In response to the ongoing strike, the South Korean government has declared its unwavering position against doctors who refuse to return to work. As of now, only 565 doctors out of the 9,000 on strike have resumed their duties.
To mitigate the impacts of the strike, the government has established specific emergency rooms dedicated to urgent medical services, ensuring seamless patient transfers and special care. Additionally, approximately 120 billion won (90 million USD) has been allocated to compensate doctors who continue to work, recruit replacement healthcare professionals, and extend the operating hours of public hospitals.
The government has also planned to allow telemedicine during the strike period to ensure that patients with chronic illnesses and mild conditions can access medical care without difficulties.
Moreover, the South Korean government is taking steps to revoke the licenses of thousands of doctors and interns who refuse to return to work after the given deadline. Around 7,000 doctors and medical interns face the possibility of permanent license suspension.
It is crucial for South Korea, as it faces the prospect of becoming a “super-aged society,” to address its future shortage of medical professionals. Finding a resolution that satisfies both doctors and the government is essential to ensure the health and well-being of the population.
This article was written by a financial expert for Business Today.