SEOUL — In a landmark shift aimed at restructuring South Korea’s medical landscape, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has announced that it will officially take over the management of National University Hospitals (NUHs) starting this August. The move signifies a strategic pivot from viewing these institutions as mere educational affiliates to positioning them as the backbone of regional essential healthcare.
According to the Public Healthcare Division of the MOHW on February 4, the transition follows the recent passage of amendments to the 'National University Hospital Establishment Act' and the 'National University Dental Hospital Establishment Act' in the National Assembly. This legislative milestone paves the way for a comprehensive transformation in how regional healthcare is delivered, funded, and managed.
A Trio of Functions: Education, Treatment, and Research
The Ministry’s vision for the post-transfer era is clear: NUHs must function as "Integrated Medical Hubs." This involves a three-pronged approach:
Educational Excellence: Producing high-quality regional doctors in collaboration with local medical schools.
Advanced Clinical Care: Bridging the gap in essential healthcare services within provincial jurisdictions.
Innovative Research: Building a robust R&D ecosystem to foster clinical breakthroughs.
"National university hospitals must serve as the last line of defense for regional essential healthcare while maintaining high-tier research capabilities," an MOHW official stated.
Unprecedented Financial Backing
To support this transition, the government is mobilizing significant financial resources. A total of 50 billion KRW has been earmarked for Research and Development (R&D) over the next three years, with an additional 81.2 billion KRW allocated for infrastructure and facilities. For the current fiscal year alone, both the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education plan to inject approximately 100 billion KRW each into these institutions.
Furthermore, the government is pushing for the 'Essential Healthcare Special Account' through the upcoming Essential Healthcare Act. This dedicated fund is expected to provide a stable, long-term financial base for NUHs. The Ministry of Economy and Finance has reportedly expressed consensus on the necessity of this special account, increasing the likelihood of its legislative approval.
Strategic Roadmap for 2026
The Ministry has outlined a tight schedule to ensure a seamless transition:
March 2026: All National University Hospitals are required to submit their individual development blueprints.
April 2026: The MOHW will synthesize these plans to announce a "National University Hospital Comprehensive Promotion Plan."
August 2026: Formal transfer of jurisdiction from the Ministry of Education to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
The Ministry is also prioritizing the amendment of the 'Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) Establishment Act' within the year to bring the nation's premier medical institution under its wing, aligning it with the broader national strategy.
Structural Reforms and Field Engagement
To manage the diverse needs of hospitals across different provinces, the MOHW is in active negotiations with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety to establish a dedicated department solely focused on NUH policy. This department will be tasked with creating tailored strategies that reflect the unique demographic and medical challenges of each region.
The Public Healthcare Division emphasized that this transition is not merely administrative. "We will continue to engage in active dialogue with medical professionals on the ground," the official added. "The goal is to ensure that the voices of those in the field are reflected in our policies to build a healthcare system that regional patients can truly trust."
As South Korea grapples with regional healthcare disparities, this jurisdictional shift represents a bold step toward a more integrated and resilient medical system, ensuring that quality care is accessible far beyond the borders of the capital.
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