South Korean medical groups urge reduction of military doctor service periods

Medical and medical education organizations in South Korea are intensifying efforts to reduce the mandatory service period for military doctors and public health doctors to 24 months. Currently, these professionals serve approximately 38 months, a significant gap compared to the 18-month service period for active-duty soldiers.

The Korean Medical Association and the Korean Association of Medical Colleges have issued petitions to the Prime Minister, the Ministry of National Defense, and the Ministry of Health and Welfare. They argue that the disparity is causing a sharp decline in applicants, with new military doctor numbers dropping by 56% and public health doctors by 37%.

Experts warn that this shortage threatens not only military and rural healthcare stability but also the continuity of medical education and resident training systems. Medical groups are calling on the National Assembly to expedite the passage of related legislation, including amendments to the Military Service Act and the Military Personnel Act, during the upcoming regular session.