The number of essential medical specialists per 1,000 people in non-capital areas is only 0.46. In the capital area, it is four times higher at 1.86. Essential medical care, known as "pediatric, ophthalmology, and plastic surgery," bears a higher workload and risk of litigation, causing a significant aversion. It is analyzed that even the essential medical workforce is concentrated in the capital area.
The Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA) announced the results of a study on the 21st regarding plans for promoting a 'people-centered healthcare reform.' It compared essential medical fields such as internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, pediatrics, emergency medicine, cardiovascular thoracic surgery, neurology, and neurosurgery with the regional population scale.
Seoul had the highest number of essential medical specialists per 1,000 people among local governments at 3.02. Following were Gyeonggi (2.42), Busan (0.81), Daegu (0.59), and Incheon (0.55). The areas with the lowest numbers were Sejong (0.06), Jeju (0.12), Ulsan (0.18), and Chungbuk (0.24).
The institute noted, "Even if regional doctor salaries are high, a preference for the capital area continues due to residential conditions. The relatively low compensation levels and high risk of accidents in the essential medical field are exacerbating the manpower gap." It added, "There is a need to expand compensation for essential medical care and improve the National Health Insurance Service system."
Previously, the government increased the medical school quota by 2,000 students but restored it to 3,058 due to backlash from the medical community. The institute said, "Considering the aging population, there will be a shortage of supply compared to future medical demand," adding, "Major national research institutions predict a shortage of 10,000 doctors by 2035." The institute's policy is that the appropriate medical school quota should be determined through discussions between the government and the medical community.