Experts have differing opinions on the composition and voting rights of the 'Medical Workforce Forecasting Organization' being pursued via legislation by the National Assembly.
The Medical Workforce Forecasting Organization is tasked with estimating the required medical workforce in the future based on the number of medical school graduates, population structure, and health insurance data. As it scientifically estimates the appropriate size of the medical workforce, it is considered a key to resolving the conflict triggered by the medical school expansion policy.
On the 14th, the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee held a 'Public Hearing for the Legislation of the Medical Workforce Forecasting Organization,' which was attended by medical experts from the Korean Medical Association, the Korean Hospital Association, academia, and patient and consumer organizations.
The experts who participated all expressed the need for the legislation of the forecasting organization. However, opinions were divided regarding its composition and authority.
The medical community believes that the core of the forecasting organization should consist of physicians and hospitals. On the other hand, patient and citizen organizations argue that representatives from various sectors should be composed in equal proportions to ensure objectivity and fairness.
Kim Min-soo, the policy director of the Korean Medical Association (before resigning), stated, "The personnel composition of the forecasting organization should include a majority of field experts from each profession." He added, "Estimating the medical workforce requires not only a total estimate but also regional and specialty-based estimates, which demand a high level of expertise."
Kim Ki-joo, the planning chairman of the Korean Hospital Association, noted, "As the determination of the medical workforce supply has a significant impact on the employment situation of hospital-level medical institutions, the hospital sector must actively participate," stating that "in major countries abroad, the hospital sector also contributes to the supply determination process."
Jang Bu-seung, a professor at Kansai Foreign Language University in Japan, suggested that about three-quarters of the forecasting organization should be composed of licensed physicians. Professor Jang stated, "Decisions should be made unanimously, like in Japan, but if a conclusion is not reached, it is necessary to instill trust in the committee by setting the quorum for decisions at three-fifths of the total members, ensuring that the conclusion cannot be forced."
In contrast, Ahn Gi-chong, representative of the Korean Patients' Organization Coalition, argued, "If members recommended by the healthcare workforce professional organizations make up more than half of the total members of the forecasting organization, it will be difficult to guarantee the fairness of the review results," asserting that "securing objectivity and fairness in the composition of the forecasting organization is a bottom line that cannot be compromised."
Kang Jeong-hwa, president of the Korea Consumer Alliance, also stated, "While I generally do not oppose the idea of composing members recommended by specific occupational groups and labor groups, patients, consumer groups, and academia, I have concerns regarding certain bills where representatives recommended by healthcare providers comprise a majority in the forecasting organization or occupational subcommittees."
Opinions also diverged on the operational structure of the committee.
Chung Jae-hoon, a professor of preventive medicine at Korea University, stated, "The most important factor in the forecasting committee is securing independence," expressing concern that "if it goes under an organization, there is a high likelihood that the opinions decided by the forecasting organization will be diluted in the review and decision-making process."
Ahn Deok-seon, head of the Korean Medical Association's Health Policy Research Institute, noted, "I oppose establishing a supply and demand organization under the Health Policy Review Committee or its sub-organizations," adding, "To secure independence, neutrality, and transparency, it is necessary to require a non-governmental legal entity or corporate form."
Whether to grant voting rights to the forecasting organization is also a major issue.
Shin Young-seok, a research professor at Korea University Graduate School of Public Health, argued that the committee should only perform the role of an 'advisory body' that reviews and proposes policies.
Professor Shin stated, "Since it takes at least 10 years for a physician's training, one must make judgments and decisions on how future policies will change in this environment 10 years from now," adding that "since payment systems and usage systems must also be considered, I suggest that the final decision be made by the government."
Ok Min-soo, a professor of preventive medicine at Ulsan University, suggested, "If voting rights are granted to the forecasting organization, I hope provisions are made allowing the Health Policy Review Committee to request a re-evaluation of the supply forecasting results." He remarked, "The forecasting organization should have the ability to make adjustments rather than determining the total capacity, allowing for compromise."