15 Members Appointed to Physician Workforce Estimation Committee to Decide 2027 Medical School Enrollment

Eight Members Recommended by Provider Groups Appointed by Ministry of Health and Welfare
First Committee Meeting Scheduled for Early Next Month

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on July 31 that it has appointed members to the "Physician Workforce Supply and Demand Estimation Committee," an independent review body responsible for estimating the future need for physicians.

To form the committee, the Ministry received recommendations for various experts from 21 related organizations and institutions, including healthcare provider groups, consumer groups, academic societies, and research institutes. Based on expertise and other factors, 15 members were appointed to the committee.

Among the 15 members, 8 were recommended by provider groups such as the Korean Medical Association, 4 were recommended by consumer groups such as the Korean Health and Medical Workers' Union, and 3 were recommended by academic societies and research institutes. In accordance with the Framework Act on Health and Medical Services, the majority of committee members were recommended by provider groups. The chairperson of the committee will later be elected from among the members recommended by academic societies and research institutes.

Starting with its first meeting in early August, the committee will begin in-depth discussions on specific matters such as models, methods, assumptions, and variables for medium- and long-term physician workforce supply and demand estimation. The future schedule of the committee will be determined through discussions at the first meeting.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare expects that the formation and operation of the committee will enhance the professionalism, independence, and transparency of the estimation process, as well as increase social acceptance of the results.

Minister of Health and Welfare Chung Eun-kyung stated, "Estimating the supply and demand for physicians is a crucial task that forms the basis for determining medical school enrollment and physician workforce policies after 2027," adding, "We will support the committee to ensure it operates in a scientific and transparent manner."