South Korean Emergency Room Doctors Declare ‘Medical Disaster’ Amidst Staff Shortages and Rising Patient Deaths

The Korean Society of Emergency Medicine has declared a ‘medical disaster’ in South Korea, warning of a critical situation with increasing patient deaths and a severe shortage of emergency room staff. The society highlighted the growing concern over the state of the country’s medical system, particularly during the upcoming Chuseok holiday, a period of high demand for medical services. Doctors are sounding the alarm, fearing that the combination of understaffed emergency rooms and a surge in patients will lead to more tragic outcomes, with patients potentially dying while waiting for treatment. The society has called for immediate action from the government, demanding a comprehensive plan to address the crisis. The society proposes several solutions, including introducing legal protection for emergency room physicians, exploring a fee system for 119 ambulance service, and establishing a dedicated emergency medical center. They are also launching a public awareness campaign to highlight the gravity of the situation and mobilize support for urgent action.