Nearly half of the 490 new 'regional doctors' set to be selected in 2027 are facing structural limitations that prevent them from completing essential training in fields such as internal medicine and surgery within their assigned regions. This raises concerns that the government is adhering to rigid criteria that are disconnected from reality.
According to Rep. Kim Kyo-heung of the Democratic Party, who is a member of the National Assembly's Health and Welfare Committee, an analysis of the Health Ministry's regional doctor allocation plan reveals that 229, or 46.7%, of the total recruits are at risk of significant training gaps.
The regions assigned to these recruits lack comprehensive hospitals capable of providing training in all nine essential medical specialties, including internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics.
The Health Ministry has stated that in areas without training hospitals, it plans to address the issue through 'ministerial exceptions' as outlined in the regulations.
However, Rep. Kim criticized this approach, stating, "It is clearly bureaucratic to rely on ministerial exceptions when more than 200 individuals are deviating from normal training paths. This is not a sustainable solution."
Concerns have also been raised about the Health Ministry's mechanical division of regions, which fails to reflect local realities. In particular, the allocation of regional doctors in Incheon has been highlighted as problematic. Currently, only six doctors are assigned to two regions: the Northwest (Seo-gu and Ganghwa-gun) and the Central region (Jung-gu, Dong-gu, Michuhol-gu, and Ongjin-gun).
Rep. Kim noted, "The Health Ministry has not accurately recognized the changes in Incheon's administrative structure and local living conditions, dividing regions without considering these factors. A reassessment of medical service areas that aligns with local circumstances is necessary."
As a viable alternative, he proposed the introduction of a 'dispatch training system.' This would allow recruits to spend a certain period (1-2 years) at higher-level training hospitals to complete any missing essential subjects if their assigned training hospitals lack the necessary infrastructure.
He emphasized, "We should not limit the recognition of training hospitals to narrow regions but instead establish organic connections and collaborative training systems among hospitals within broader metropolitan areas to cultivate skilled essential medical practitioners."
In response to these concerns, Health Minister Jeong Eun-kyeong stated during a report to the Health and Welfare Committee on the 19th that the ministry would develop solutions through hospital analysis and consultations with local governments.
Rep. Kim concluded, "For the regional doctor system to succeed, we must create a reasonable environment where students receive top-level training and can settle in their regions to take responsibility for essential medical care. I will closely monitor the process of developing promised solutions until the upcoming National Assembly audit to ensure effective improvements are made."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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