The system will allow individuals to view their comprehensive medical history, including diagnoses, medication prescriptions, diagnostic and pathological test results, and surgical records. (Image courtesy of Pixabay/CCL)
SEOUL, Aug. 13 (Korea Bizwire) – The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on August 12 that starting next year, South Koreans will have unprecedented access to their medical records from all tertiary hospitals across the country through a government-operated platform called the Health Information Highway.
This digital initiative aims to consolidate dispersed medical data from various healthcare providers and public institutions, including the National Health Insurance Service, into a single, easily accessible platform for patients.
The system will allow individuals to view their comprehensive medical history, including diagnoses, medication prescriptions, diagnostic and pathological test results, and surgical records.
“This platform represents a significant step towards patient empowerment and improved continuity of care,” said a ministry spokesperson.
“Patients will be able to share their complete medical history with their treating physicians, potentially reducing redundant tests and improving overall healthcare delivery.”
Currently, the Health Information Highway incorporates data from 860 healthcare facilities, including 10 tertiary hospitals, 12 general hospitals, and 838 smaller hospitals and clinics.
The ministry outlined an ambitious expansion plan, stating that next month, an additional 16 tertiary hospitals, 12 general hospitals, and 116 smaller medical facilities will join the network.
Looking ahead to next year, the ministry has secured commitments from 21 more tertiary hospitals, 28 general hospitals, and 210 smaller medical institutions to participate.
This expansion will bring the total number of contributing healthcare providers to 1,263. Most notably, by the latter half of next year, users will be able to access their personal medical data from all 47 tertiary hospitals across the country through the Health Information Highway.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
