ALERT: Physician Shortage May Affect Healthcare Access
LOCATION: Republic of Korea, Country-wide
The Embassy has been monitoring a nationwide physician shortage occurring across the Republic of Korea (ROK). Over the past year, this shortage has caused major teaching hospitals to postpone surgeries and cancel medical appointments, including large hospitals with international clinics listed on the U.S. Embassy website: https://kr.usembassy.gov/services-doctors/
The Embassy has received reports of complications involving access to emergency care, with major hospitals prioritizing care based on the severity of injury or illness. This prioritization could result in emergency care being delayed or even denied for non-life-threatening or less urgent cases.
While private hospitals and clinics are generally less affected, the shortage has impacted private medical institutions resulting in delayed specialty appointments and deferred routine procedures.
The ROK Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) maintains an online database of emergency services at available hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies nationwide. Note, this emergency care website is only available in Korean, but an online translation program (e.g. Google Translate, ) can assist. The Seoul Metropolitan Government provides a list of available Municipal Hospitals in the Seoul metropolitan area.
ACTIONS TO TAKE:
- U.S. citizens in the ROK are encouraged to monitor local news media and follow the guidance of government officials and local authorities.
