The share of patients with serious illnesses jumped from 33.3 percent in 2015 to 44.9 percent in 2018, while patients with milder illnesses went from 10.3 percent in 2015 to 8.9 percent in 2018. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jul. 15 (Korea Bizwire) — Ever since President Moon Jae-in’s signature health care program came into effect in July 2017, patients suffering from serious illnesses who are receiving treatment at large hospitals have increased in proportion, while these hospitals are now admitting fewer patients with milder illnesses.
Rep. Jung Choun-sook of the ruling Democratic Party reported that the number of hospitalized patients at large-sized hospitals increased from 2,020,000 in 2015 to 2,040,000 in 2018.
Among them, the share of patients with serious illnesses jumped from 33.3 percent in 2015 to 44.9 percent in 2018, while patients with milder illnesses went from 10.3 percent in 2015 to 8.9 percent in 2018.
The total treatment cost at large hospitals borne by the National Health Insurance rose from 6.4 trillion won (US$5.4 billion) in 2015 to 8.8 trillion won in 2018, with the proportion of treatment for serious illnesses increasing from 51 percent in 2015 to 58.8 percent in 2018, and the share of mild illnesses dropping from 4.5 percent in 2015 to 4.1 percent in 2018.
“Patients with serious illnesses, many of whom couldn’t afford the exorbitant treatment costs at large hospitals, are beginning to enjoy the benefits offered by Mooncare,” said Jung.
H. M. Kang (hmkang@koreabizwire.com)
