A government body to discuss the medical school enrollment for the 2027 academic year will be established as early as next month. The government decided that the enrollment for medical schools for the 2027 academic year will be determined by the Medical Workforce Supply and Demand Estimation Committee (Estimation Committee). The government plans to receive recommendations for the Estimation Committee members by the 28th and form the committee.
On the 22nd, the Ministry of Health and Welfare noted that it recently sent an official document to medical-related organizations requesting recommendations for members of the Estimation Committee. The Korean Medical Association, the Korean Hospital Association, the Korean Medical Society, the Korean Association of Residents, the National Association of Medical Professors, patient-related organizations, and the Health and Medical Science Association received the document.
The Estimation Committee will scientifically estimate how many healthcare workers, such as doctors and nurses, are needed. It will consist of 15 members, including one chairperson, as an independent review body under the direct supervision of the Minister of Health and Welfare. A majority of the members will be those recommended by healthcare supply organizations.
To become a member of the Estimation Committee, individuals must have a major in economics, health science, statistics, or demography. They should also possess expertise in medical policy and supply-demand related knowledge or research achievements. Additionally, they must be at least an assistant professor at a university or hold qualifications as researchers or research committee members. The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to verify the qualifications of the recommended members before forming the Estimation Committee.
Earlier, in September of last year, the government sent an official document to medical-related organizations requesting recommendations for members to form the Estimation Committee. However, the medical community did not recommend any members, stating that the government should revisit the medical school enrollment for the 2025 academic year (5,058 students), and the Estimation Committee was not formed. The government decided to revert the enrollment for the 2026 academic year to the previous figure of 3,058 students. The enrollment for medical schools for the 2027 academic year will be discussed and determined by the Estimation Committee.