Considerations in the ‘Healthcare Reform 1st Implementation Plan’ From the Perspective of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

In the past year, the government announced various unfounded healthcare policies, namely “the 2nd Comprehensive Plan for National Health Insurance,” “the Essential Healthcare Policy Package” and “Healthcare Reform 1st Implementation Plan.” However, these policies have not received much attention due to a policy that aimed to expand medical school admissions quota by 67%. The national health insurance plan has until now eased the burden of people’s medical expenses because of the expanded coverage; but at the same time, the medical coverage rate and structural problems in essential medical care have not been adequately improved. The government wants to reorganize its spending structure around essential health care and strengthen financial management to maintain the sustainability of national health insurance. However, this is the same as trying to restrain people’s medical use and restrict doctors’ medical practice. In particular, “Healthcare Reform 1st Implementation Plan” contains many policies that will affect the Korean medical system, as well as parts that need to be considered from the perspective of otorhinolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Here, I would like to suggest policy proposals concerning this.