Measures for Strengthening Public Health Care

Abstract

The need for strengthening public health care is growing as the Korean health care system, which is characterized by the pursuit of private interests, has caused a serious health care crisis in line with the rapid aging of the population structure. In the past, publicness was emphasized in health care due to the high possibility of market failure. Recently, with the growth of civil society, health care is accepted as a universal right, and the publicness of health care is even more emphasized. At the very least, the policy direction of guaranteeing essential medical services related to the life and safety of the people is being established. In particular, an active role of the government and society is required to reduce regional disparities in essential medical resources, medical use, and health outcomes. It is necessary to support capital costs necessary for the reinforcement of essential medical infrastructure to all medical institutions in charge of essential medical care, and to support current expenses through public policy fees. In order to strengthen the responsibility for all residents in the service area, public hospitals should be assigned as accountable medical institutions and equipped with the capacity and system for leading private hospitals.