Publications

Institute for Future Strategy Issue Brief, March Vol. 31
“Strengthening Primary Care”

This issue brief diagnoses the problems of Korea’s healthcare system—arising from population aging, the increase of chronic diseases, and rising medical costs—and proposes measures to strengthen primary care as a solution. Korea has already entered a super-aged society, with 86.1% of the elderly suffering from at least one chronic disease, and medical expenses for chronic diseases accounting for 84.5% of total healthcare spending. This underscores the urgency of establishing a sustainable healthcare system.

The brief identifies key issues such as the absence of a family doctor system, the underdevelopment of primary care, the over-concentration of patients in large hospitals, and high hospitalisation rates for preventable and manageable diseases. To address these challenges, it proposes strategies including the establishment of a high-quality family doctor system, strengthening team-based care, introducing value-based payment models, and actively utilising medical technologies.

Furthermore, the brief stresses the need for legal reforms, institutional support, pilot projects, and enhanced national-level financial investment and accountability to underpin the revitalisation of primary care. It concludes that such efforts will contribute to improving public health and securing socio-economic sustainability.

Keywords
Aging, chronic diseases, primary care, family doctor system, value-based payment, socio-economic sustainability