Improvement of supportive systems for medically-underserved areas

Abstract

Background: In order to encourage physicians to work in medically-underserved areas, it is imperative to provide financial incentives and appropriate supportive systems. This paper reviews the concept of medically-underserved areas in Korea is welestablished with reasonable criteria and that the budget and the policy direction of the manpower support are effective.Current Concepts: Some recommendations may be needed to expand the supportive policy for medically-underserved areas. First, the selection criteria for medically-underserved areas should be revised and the evaluation index improved. Second, it is imperative to secure consistency in the legal system by containing overall contents on the definition, criteria, designation procedure, and support matters of medically-underserved areas through the revision of the Public Health and Medical Service Act. This consistency may designate and support medically-underserved areas according to the subject and type through health care resources distribution and condition at the national level. Third, an integrated regional medical service plan should be prepared through the construction of an inter-medical institution cooperation system, effort, and cooperation among parties having diverse interests. Fourth, the incentive system should be improved to secure medical personnel in medically-underserved areas. Fifth, the introduction of untact medical services and related governmental support to the area having insufficient medical personnel is needed.Discussion and Conclusion: The Korean government should seek new supportive measures and models for physicians to continue working in medically-underserved areas.