◀ Anchor ▶
Amid concerns about a possible emergency room disaster, the government has come up with a plan for the Chuseok holiday, but there are concerns that it will not receive a favorable response from the medical community, even though it will spend money accordingly.
Today, President Yoon Seok-yeol announced that he would temporarily significantly increase insurance premiums for emergency treatment to reward the dedication of medical professionals.
It is expected that around 17 billion won will be spent on this alone before and after Chuseok, but the medical community is responding coldly, saying, “The problem is that there are no doctors, so will giving money solve it?”
Reporter Hong Ui-pyo reports.
◀ Report ▶
A cabinet meeting held ahead of the Chuseok holiday.
President Yoon Seok-yeol said he would temporarily raise health insurance premiums to reward medical professionals for their dedication.
[윤석열 대통령]
“We have decided to significantly increase health insurance fees, including consultation fees and dispensing fees, for a limited time before and after the Chuseok holiday.”
In particular, he emphasized that he would increase the consultation fee for specialists at regional emergency medical centers by 3.5 times the usual level and invest 3.7 billion won to secure as many emergency room medical personnel as possible.
However, some in the medical community are skeptical about the effectiveness of temporary measures such as fee increases.
[이형민/대한응급의학의사회장]
“Right now, we need people (to treat patients), but I don’t know if raising the number of people will really increase the number of people.”
A medical professional criticized the system in a phone call with MBC, saying, “Even when the examination fee or number of patients increases, they go to the hospital instead of the medical staff,” and “It would be better to give them a bonus in the name of the president.”
Medical groups, including the Health and Medical Workers’ Union, also issued statements belittling the issue, saying, “We are in a medical crisis due to a lack of doctors, so how can handing out money solve anything?” and “It is nothing more or less than a ‘Chuseok bonus’ given to hospital capital.”
The formation of a consultative body between the ruling and opposition parties is also facing difficulties.
As the Blue House and the government remain stubborn in their stance on ‘increasing the number of medical schools’, they are unable to provide any signals that would encourage the medical community to participate.
While the ruling and opposition parties called for a forward-looking decision from the medical community, they showed differences of opinion on President Yoon’s apology and holding those responsible accountable.
[추경호/국민의힘 원내대표]
“Now is not the time to discuss apologies, responsibility, or personnel actions…”
[진성준/더불어민주당 정책위의장]
“President Yoon Seok-yeol must clearly acknowledge this government’s policy failures and apologize to the people.”
Amidst continued concerns about the medical vacuum, the government plans to hold a ‘comprehensive emergency medical situation briefing’ on the 12th, just before the holiday, to explain the situation to the public.
This is Hong Ui-pyo from MBC News.
Video coverage: Hwang Sang-wook / Video editing: Kim Jeong-eun / Design: Kim Chae-yeon, Son Chang-wan
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Table of Contents
- 1 Here are some ”People Also Ask” (PAA) related questions for the title: **Chuseok Holiday: Government’s Plan to Avert Emergency Room Disaster Faces Skepticism from Medical Community**:
- 2 Based on the title “South Korea’s Healthcare System: A Comprehensive Overview Amidst Chuseok Holiday Concerns,” here are some “People Also Ask” (PAA) related questions:
Chuseok Holiday: Government’s Plan to Avert Emergency Room Disaster Faces Skepticism from Medical Community
As South Korea prepares for the Chuseok holiday, concerns about a possible emergency room disaster have prompted the government to announce a plan to temporarily increase health insurance premiums for emergency treatment. However, the medical community has responded coldly, questioning the effectiveness of the measure in addressing the root cause of the problem.
Government’s Plan
President Yoon Seok-yeol announced that the government would temporarily raise health insurance premiums to reward medical professionals for their dedication during the Chuseok holiday period. The plan includes increasing consultation fees for specialists at regional emergency medical centers by 3.5 times the usual level and investing 3.7 billion won to secure as many emergency room medical personnel as possible [[3]]. This move is expected to cost around 17 billion won before and after Chuseok.
Medical Community’s Skepticism
Despite the government’s efforts, the medical community remains unconvinced that the temporary measure will address the underlying issue of a lack of doctors. “Right now, we need people (to treat patients), but I don’t know if raising the number of people will really increase the number of people,” said Lee Hyeong-min, chairman of the Korean Emergency Medical Society [[3]]. Other medical professionals have also criticized the system, suggesting that it would be better to give them a bonus in the name of the president rather than increasing examination fees or the number of patients.
Pharmacies and Healthcare Facilities to Remain Open
In related news, the city government has announced that over 1,800 health care facilities in Seoul will remain open during the Chuseok holiday period, including some 1,300 pharmacies that will be mandated to stay open to help people access medications [[2]]. Meanwhile, nearly 8,000 hospitals and community clinics across the country are expected to provide medical services during the holiday period, more than double the number from last year [[1]].
Conclusion
The government’s plan to avert an emergency room disaster during the Chuseok holiday faces skepticism from the medical community, who argue that the root cause of the problem is a lack of doctors rather than a lack of funds. While the government’s efforts to increase health insurance premiums and invest in securing medical personnel are appreciated, it remains to be seen whether these temporary measures will be enough to address the underlying issue.
References:
South Korea’s Healthcare System: A Comprehensive Overview Amidst Chuseok Holiday Concerns
As South Korea prepares for the Chuseok holiday, concerns about a possible emergency room disaster have led the government to announce a plan to temporarily increase health insurance premiums for emergency treatment, aiming to reward medical professionals for their dedication [[1]]. However, the medical community has responded coldly, questioning whether throwing money at the problem will solve the underlying issue of a lack of doctors.
South Korea’s Healthcare System: A Brief Overview
South Korea’s healthcare system is based on the National Health Insurance Service, a public health insurance program run by the Ministry of Health and Welfare [[3]]. The system provides comprehensive coverage for citizens, with a strong focus on preventive care and public health. Healthcare services are generally of high quality, with access to advanced medical technology and specialized care [[1]].
The Chuseok Holiday Plan
President Yoon Seok-yeol has announced plans to spend around 17 billion won on increasing health insurance premiums for emergency treatment before and after the Chuseok holiday [[1]]. This includes a 3.5-fold increase in consultation fees for specialists at regional emergency medical centers and an investment of 3.7 billion won to secure as many emergency room medical personnel as possible.
Medical Community Skepticism
However, the medical community has expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of temporary measures such as fee increases. Medical professionals argue that the root of the problem lies in the lack of doctors, and that throwing money at the issue will not solve the fundamental problem [[1]]. Some have even likened the initiative to a “Chuseok bonus” for hospital capital, rather than a genuine attempt to address the issue.
International Healthcare Insurance Options
For expatriates in South Korea, international healthcare insurance options are available, which can provide additional coverage and peace of mind [[2]]. These policies often cover 50% to 80% of medical expenses, including consultation fees, hospitalization, and other healthcare services.
Conclusion
As South Korea navigates the complexities of its healthcare system, it is clear that a more comprehensive approach is needed to address the shortage of doctors and medical professionals. While temporary measures such as fee increases may provide some relief, they do not address the fundamental issue of capacity and resources. It is crucial for the government, medical community, and opposition parties to work together to find a sustainable solution that prioritizes the needs of patients and medical professionals alike.
References:
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HealthcareinSouth_Korea”>[3] Wikipedia
