Improving Regional Health Care System in Korea

Abstract

1) 지역보건의료 정책의 현황과 문제점 2) 외국의 지역보건의료 현황 3) 지역보건의료 증진을 위한 정책방안

The regional health care system in Korea faces emerging challenges of population ageing and increased number of the elderly, an increase in chronic diseases, deteriorated environment, and increased demand for improved regional health care services. In order to meet these challenges, it is emphasized that preventive health care and health promotion services through regional health care system should be reinforced in a way that meets clients' demand. The reinforcement of regional health care system, however, requires overcoming various problems concerning the efficiency of national health resource utilization and financing. This report attempts to help resolve these problems by proposing to strengthen partnership with private sectors, which is expected to lead to an enhanced quality of service as well. The partnership may make it possible to introduce the concept of competition in providing regional health care services. In addition, this report provides policy measures to promote horizontal and vertical linkage among service providers: health related administration units in city and province offices, health centers, health center branches, and community health practitioners.