South Korea has recently announced that medical schools will have the autonomy to set their own admission quotas, starting next year. This decision, made by Prime Minister Han Duck-soo following a government meeting on April 19, has raised hopes of resolving tensions in the medical field. Under this new policy, 32 universities will be allowed to increase their enrollment targets flexibly, with annual increases ranging from 50% to 100%, starting in 2025.
The government’s decision aligns with the proposal put forward by six national medical schools seeking to reduce enrollment targets by 50% next year due to concerns about inadequate training facilities. The core issue of the strike was the government’s plan to increase the number of medical school students, which protestors believed would compromise the quality of care and increase healthcare costs for patients. However, with a projection that nearly 30% of South Korea’s population will be 65 years or older by 2035, there is a growing demand for medical services. The shortage of doctors is a significant concern, with predictions suggesting a shortfall of at least 10,000 doctors by 2035.
Prime Minister Han described the decision as a step towards finding a compromise amidst a lack of consensus in the medical community. He emphasized the importance of protecting medical students, normalizing education, and resolving conflicts that have arisen. The strike by over 9,000 resident doctors in protest of the policy to increase medical school enrollment quotas had caused disruptions in medical services across the country. The crisis escalated as medical students and professors also joined the protest. In response, the government began revoking practice licenses and considering criminal sanctions against striking doctors.
Overall, this decision marks a significant shift in South Korea’s approach to addressing its demographic challenges and ensuring that its citizens have access to high-quality healthcare services. While concerns about increasing enrollment quotas remain valid, it is clear that finding a balance between supply and demand is crucial for ensuring that patients receive the care they need while maintaining quality standards.
