Stable Maintenance of Outpatient Numbers Due to Decrease in Mild Patients
Amid growing concerns over the collapse of emergency rooms, the government emphasized that out of 409 emergency rooms nationwide, 405 are still operating 24 hours a day, excluding 4 that have partially suspended operations. It also reiterated that discussions with the medical community regarding the medical school quota for the 2026 academic year are possible.
On the 6th, Jeong Yoon-soon, Director of Health and Medical Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, disclosed the current status of emergency room operations during a briefing on emergency medical and urgent care response.
As of that day, the four emergency rooms partially suspended were the same as the previous day: Konkuk University Chungju Hospital, Kangwon National University Hospital, Sejong Chungnam National University Hospital, and Ewha Mokdong Hospital.
The number of mild and non-emergency patients visiting emergency rooms was 6,361 as of the 4th, which is 77% compared to the usual 8,285. The total number of patients visiting emergency rooms was 15,051, about 84% of the usual 17,892.
Director Jeong explained, "Thanks to the cooperation of the public, the number of mild patients visiting has decreased, and the total number of emergency room visits is showing a relatively stable trend."
As of the previous day, the average number of medical institutions capable of treating 27 types of severe emergency diseases was 88, a decrease of 14 from the day before. This is 21 fewer than the usual average of 109.
The government emphasized that mild and non-emergency patients should first visit local clinics or community medical institutions instead of tertiary hospitals’ emergency rooms, but also urged patients to seek help through 119 emergency calls since they may not be able to assess their own severity.
Director Jeong said, "If you think it is a serious illness, immediately call 119 and follow the instructions. 119 will transport you to a hospital appropriate for the severity." He added, "If not, please first visit a local clinic or a small to medium-sized hospital emergency room when symptoms occur. If the examination determines it is severe, transfer to a larger hospital is possible."
Director Jeong also stated at the briefing, "The government always keeps the door open for dialogue with the medical community," and reiterated, "We can discuss any agenda and format, including the medical school quota for 2026."
Earlier that morning, after the Presidential Office expressed openness to adjusting the medical school quota for the 2026 academic year, the Ministry of Health and Welfare also reaffirmed this stance. The ruling party and the Presidential Office also agreed to form a 'Ruling and Opposition Parliamentary Consultative Body' to resolve the medical crisis on the same day.
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