Regional Patients' Capital Area Medical Migration Costs 4.6 Trillion Won Annually, Severe Healthcare Imbalance
A study by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs revealed that the annual cost of regional patients traveling to the Seoul metropolitan area for medical treatment reached 4.6 trillion won in 2023. This staggering figure highlights the severe healthcare imbalance caused by insufficient medical capabilities in regional healthcare institutions. Structural Problems in Regional Healthcare Systems The primary reason regional patients seek treatment in the capital area stems from the shortage of specialized medical professionals and lack of advanced medical equipment in regional healthcare facilities. Particularly for severe illnesses or complex surgeries, patients often cannot receive adequate treatment locally. Consequently, patients must bear additional costs including transportation, accommodation, and caregiving expenses. Family members frequently accompany patients during treatment periods, further exacerbating the economic burden...