Incheon island medical gaps highlight shortage of public health doctors

Medical service shortages are intensifying in Incheon's Ganghwa and Ongjin counties due to a sharp decline in public health doctors. In Ganghwa, over half of the 13 local health centers are operating without a single medical doctor, relying instead on mobile clinics to provide primary care.

In the Ongjin islands, such as Baengnyeongdo, emergency transport times can reach up to nine hours by boat. While government guidelines recommend two doctors for non-connected islands, many locations currently operate with only one. This shortage is part of a national trend, with the number of public health doctors in South Korea dropping by 65.9% since 2022.

During a National Assembly audit, Minister of Health and Welfare Jung Eun-kyeong responded to concerns by stating that preparations will be made to enable night flights for doctor helicopters by 2028. The Ministry also indicated it would review support for hospital ships and seek ways to reform the private ambulance licensing system to improve emergency response times in remote areas.