Korean J Otorhinolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2025 Jan;68(1):1-6. 10.3342/kjorl-hns.2024.00563.

From the ‘Essential Healthcare Policy Package’ to the ‘Healthcare Reform 1st Implementation Plan’

• Yun JM
• Kim KH
• Mun SK

• KMID: 2564069
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3342/kjorl-hns.2024.00563

Abstract

Essential medical care is a concept referring to indispensable medical care. World Health Organization has defined essential healthcare services as the evidence-based technologies needed to cost-effectively solve health problems. However, most countries have no such term that describes essential healthcare services. Rather, it has been used to efficiently allocate medical resources in countries with limited resources. Therefore, a clear definition of essential healthcare services must be accompanied by a specific purpose and a clear direction for the need. The target to whom medical services are to be provided, the region and institution to be provided, the content of medical services, and the purpose of provision should be distinguished. Recently, as public interest in essential healthcare services has increased, the government announced “the Essential Healthcare Policy Package” and “the 1st Healthcare Reform Implementation Plan” to specifically promote it. But concerns of feasibility and financial estimates are being raised. So, here, I analyze the government policy package and its 1st implantation plan, and suggest policy proposals for them.

Keyword

Health service; Health workforce; Physician