The number of those who couldn’t go to the medical institution because of unaffordable fees has grown, amounting to 21.7 percent last year, up from 19.7 percent in 2012. (image: Kobizmedia/Korea Bizwire)
SEOUL, Sep. 30 (Korea Bizwire) — It is reported that one in five South Koreans can’t go to hospital. While the number of those who are not able to go to hospital is continuously decreasing, the number of people who can’t go to clinic due to lack of money is rising.
According to a report on public health published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Korea, 12.2 percent of sick people are unable to go to hospital last year, significantly down from 18.7 percent in 2011 and 24.1 percent in 2009.
However, the number of those who couldn’t go to the medical institution because of unaffordable fees has grown, amounting to 21.7 percent last year, up from 19.7 percent in 2012. It means that one in five Korean patients was monetarily unable to visit hospital.
In particular, one in three South Koreans couldn’t have their teeth checked or treated since dental check-up fees are much more costly than other clinics.
By Veronica Huh (veronicah@koreabizwire.com)
