Korean Medical Association Challenges Government’s Doctor Shortage Claims

The Korean Medical Association has criticized the government for misrepresenting public opinion with statistics that only show an absolute shortage of doctors, despite Korea’s superior medical care quality compared to other Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) member countries.

In a press release, the Korean Medical Association stated, “A high-ranking official from the President’s Office recently claimed that ‘OECD health and medical statistics’ data confirms an absolute shortage of doctors in our country, making increasing the number of medical schools a necessity.” The association argues that this claim is misleading and false.

The Korean Medical Association pointed out that OECD statistics actually show Korea boasts world-class medical services and medical accessibility, with overwhelmingly excellent medical efficiency. The association cited evidence that Korea’s infant mortality rate is 2.4 per 1,000 live births, lower than the OECD average of 4.1, and has decreased by 0.4 compared to 2017.

Additionally, the association explained that Korea’s avoidable death rate is 142.3 per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the OECD average of 256.3. This ranks Korea 4th after Switzerland and Japan, and is half the OECD average. Avoidable mortality refers to deaths that can be prevented or avoided through medical services or health policies.

The Korean Medical Association also claimed that Korea’s national life expectancy and age-standardized death rates due to cancer and circulatory system diseases are better than the average of OECD member countries.

The association questioned the government’s motives, stating, “The President’s Office and the Ministry of Health and Welfare are trying to ignore Korea’s excellent medical conditions and only talk about the lack of doctors.” They asked, “Would this achievement have been possible if there were a shortage of doctors?”

The Korean Medical Association urged the government to stop misleading the public with distorted claims and to immediately correct the mistake that is collapsing Korea’s excellent medical system. They also called for the withdrawal of the plan to increase the number of medical schools by 2025, which they believe is a step in the wrong direction.