Gov’t raises ER doctor’s fee 3.5 times around Chuseok

The South Korean government decided to increase doctor’s fees for emergency services over the Chuseok holidays 3.5 times compared to before the medical vacuum. To help prevent overcrowding in emergency rooms during the holidays, it also plans to operate ER departments exclusive to chronic and emergency patients.

Health and Welfare Minister Cho Kyu-hong said in a press briefing of the Central Countermeasure Headquarters on Wednesday, “The government intends to declare two weeks from Sep. 11 to Sep. 25 a special period for emergency response to ensure that emergency patients are treated properly and seamlessly over the holidays.” He published a plan to have more than 4,000 hospitals and clinics on duty across the country, 400 up from the figure around Lunar New Year’s Day earlier this year, given that the number of patients in ERs may double during the Chuseok holidays - with general hospitals to be closed - compared to usual times.

“The government intends to raise fees for ER specialists over the emergency response period up to 250 percent, 100 percent points up from the pay increase currently applied (150 percent),” Minister Cho said. Right after the medical vacuum this February, the government increased fees for ER specialists by 100 percent. As emergency rooms started being severely understaffed this month, it raised the additional rate up to 150 percent. Put simply, ER doctors will get paid 3.5 times higher compared to earlier this year. Also, the government is bound to provide greater subsidies for regional emergency medical centers to cover labor expenses and ensure operational stability.

The Korea Society of Emergency Medicine viewed the government’s measures to support ER staff as a positive move. It advised citizens to consult nearby hospitals and clinics as their first option for medical care during the holidays.


박경민 기자 mean@donga.com