Gov’t Launches Program to Prioritize Critical Care at General Hospitals

Seoul: The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced a new program Thursday aimed at prioritizing the treatment of critically ill patients in general hospitals across the country. As part of this initiative, eight institutions have been selected to focus on critical care, while patients with milder symptoms will be referred to local hospitals. According to Yonhap News Agency, the government intends for critically ill cases to make up 70 percent of the patients treated at these general hospitals, a significant increase from the current estimate of 50 percent. The selected hospitals will receive increased compensation for treating patients with critical or rare conditions, as part of the program's structure. This initiative comes amid a severe medical workforce shortage caused by the resignation of thousands of trainee doctors since February, protesting against the government's proposal to expand medical school admissions. The health ministry emphasized that the program is designed to foster collaboration betw een large and smaller hospitals, ensuring patients receive care from the most suitable facilities. The government also urged the medical community to participate in dialogue without preconditions to address the ongoing walkout by trainee doctors. "Dialogue and communication are the first steps to rebuilding trust and the most effective way to tackle ongoing challenges," stated Second Vice Health Minister Park Min-soo. The Korea Medical Association, representing the majority of the nation's doctors, has insisted that the government withdraw its plan to increase medical school seats before they agree to any discussions.