The Ministry of Health and Welfare’s 2025 budget, finalized at 125.49 trillion won ($87.68 billion), reflects a mixed approach to healthcare investment. While the overall budget increased by 7.2% from 2024, rising to address critical health priorities, the allocation for training junior doctors has seen a significant reduction, sparking debate within the medical community.
Key Budget Highlights:
- Overall Growth: The total budget rose by 8.4 trillion won compared to 2024, demonstrating the government’s commitment to expanding healthcare initiatives.
- Healthcare Spending: Allocations for general healthcare have grown by 11.1%, reaching 4.17 trillion won, an increase from 3.75 trillion won in 2024.
Cuts in Medical Training Support: Despite the expansion, funding for fostering medical manpower, including training environment improvements and allowances for trainee doctors, was slashed by 93.1 billion won during the National Assembly’s budget deliberations. Initially, 58.9 billion won was proposed for junior doctors, but adjustments considering training timelines led to the cuts.
Impact and Industry Concerns: The reductions come at a time when the medical sector is advocating for better resources to address shortages in healthcare professionals. The move has raised concerns about the quality and readiness of future medical practitioners, particularly given the high demand for medical manpower in South Korea.
Mental Health Funding Also Affected: In addition to cuts in medical training, the budget for the national mental health project saw a reduction of 7.5 billion won, potentially impacting mental health initiatives across the country.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare has pledged to ensure the approved budget is allocated and executed efficiently in the new fiscal year to minimize disruption.
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