What Should Be Done Right Now for Better Health System in 10 Years?: Health System Reform Tasks
10.21215/kjfp.2026.16.1.1
- Author:
Juhwan OH
1
;
Sang-il LEE
;
Kunhee PARK
;
Seung-Won OH
;
Junghee AHN
;
HaDa RYUOK
;
Eun Jin HA
;
Seung-yeon CHO
;
Sung-ju KIM
;
Eunyoung CHO
;
Hee Gyung KANG
;
Serng Bai PAK
;
Eun Kyung EO
Author Information
1. Department of Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
- Publication Type:Editor’s Note
- From:
Korean Journal of Family Practice
2026;16(1):1-8
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
South Korea’s current healthcare system stands at a critical crossroads that will determine whether it can progress in a better direction over the next decade. Behind the relatively stable level of population health that has been maintained until now, it has become clear that the deterioration of patient experiences, the risk of collapse in critical emergency medical services, the burnout of healthcare providers, and the crisis in the sustainability of healthcare finances have all accumulated simultaneously. This crisis can no longer be overcome by partial fixes or short-term measures alone. The answer to what needs to change first must begin with a reaffirmation of what the healthcare system should aim for. Ultimately, what needs to be changed now is not an individual policy, but the criteria and priorities through which we view healthcare. The focus must shift from what to provide more of, to questioning what holds greater social value. If such a shift does not begin now, in ten years we won’t face a better healthcare system, but care enmeshed in a deeper crisis. Now is precisely the time to fundamentally define the direction of the healthcare system.
