Rural Areas in South Korea Struggle with Lack of Doctors

Hospitals in South Korea’s Smaller Cities Struggle with Physician Shortage Amid Nationwide Strike

Incheon, South Korea – Hospitals in South Korea’s smaller cities are facing a crisis as a nationwide strike by trainee doctors enters its third month. The strike is in protest against plans to address the shortage of physicians by increasing medical school admissions.

While Seoul, the capital, boasts top-level hospitals, smaller cities like Incheon are experiencing a severe lack of doctors. This trend is expected to worsen as the population ages rapidly and birth rates remain the lowest in the world.

Director of the Incheon Medical Center, Cho Seung-yeon, highlighted the impact of the physician shortage, stating that their artificial kidney room had to be closed for almost two years due to the inability to find a doctor. This shortage has prompted the government to consider adding thousands of medical school students next year, a move that is facing opposition from trainee doctors and medical groups.

South Korea currently has 2.6 doctors for every 1,000 people, one of the lowest rates among developed countries. The shortage of physicians is already affecting patient care, with hospitals like Incheon Medical Center having to rely on roving doctors from nearby university hospitals.

The strike by medical interns and resident doctors is driven by concerns over poor working conditions and low pay. While the government aims to address these issues, the lack of physicians in underserved areas remains a pressing issue. The prolonged strike is expected to impact healthcare outcomes, especially in cities like Incheon, which already have high rates of avoidable deaths.

As the strike continues, patients like 82-year-old Yoon Geum-ja express concerns about the future availability of doctors. The government, medical associations, and striking doctors must find a resolution to ensure adequate healthcare for all South Koreans.