Regional national university hospitals face specialist shortage compared to Seoul Big 5

A significant gap exists between the medical specialist workforce at regional national university hospitals and the ‘Big 5’ major hospitals in the Seoul metropolitan area. According to data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare analyzed by National Assembly member Park Yong-gap, regional national university hospitals averaged 2.37 specialists per 10 beds, which is only 55% of the 4.31 specialists per 10 beds found in the Big 5 hospitals.

Specific data shows Chonnam National University Hospital has 2.23 specialists per 10 beds, roughly 51.7% of the Big 5 average. Across nine regional national university hospitals, the total number of specialists (1,904) is only 47.8% of the total held by the Big 5 (3,985). Gyeongsang National University Hospital reported the lowest density with 2 specialists per 10 beds.

The report also highlights the limitations of the contract-based regional essential physician system. Among pilot regions including Gangwon, Gyeongnam, Jeonnam, and Jeju, only Gangwon has filled its quotas. Of the 89 participating doctors, only 2 (2.2%) were assigned to local medical centers. Experts suggest that to prevent the collapse of 24-hour essential medical services, the government must provide better incentives and career development support to ensure medical staff settle in regional areas.