In February 2024, South Korea’s government decided to increase the number of medical school students by 2,000 to tackle the shortage of doctors. This move led to intense pushback from the medical community. On February 19, a significant event unfolded: over 90% of trainee doctors, making up about a third of the physicians in major teaching hospitals, walked out. Their protest lasted until August 2025 and marked a profound disruption in a nation with a universal healthcare system.
This 18-month strike provided a unique chance to examine its impacts. Research revealed alarming trends: there were notable increases in both 30-day and 90-day in-hospital mortality rates. Additionally, overall healthcare usage dropped sharply, with a more significant decline in hospital admissions. While straightforward conditions saw a decrease in hospitalizations, those with complex issues remained stable. Interestingly, healthcare spending rose significantly per hospitalization, and spending per outpatient visit also increased, albeit modestly.
One striking finding was the absence of a systematic shift of patients from teaching hospitals to non-teaching facilities or primary care. This highlights how vulnerable healthcare systems can be to workforce disruptions. Professor Sungchul Park from Korea University emphasizes the need for policies that strengthen staffing resilience. He points out that effective communication between the government and medical professionals is crucial for response during such crises.
In a broader context, similar labor movements in the healthcare sector have surfaced globally. For instance, in the U.S. during 2020, healthcare workers protested for better conditions amid the pandemic. This trend shows that healthcare professionals are increasingly willing to advocate for their rights and the quality of care, suggesting an urgent need for systemic reforms.
As healthcare continues to evolve, experts suggest focusing on solutions that ensure quality care while navigating the growing challenges in staffing. By leveraging technology and innovative care models, there’s potential for significant improvement in healthcare systems worldwide. These insights emphasize the importance of adaptability and resilience within health systems, especially in times of crisis.
For more on healthcare trends globally, visit World Health Organization.
