Rushed health workforce reform in South Korea: a Kingdon's multiple streams framework analysis of the 2024 medical school quota expansion.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In 2024, South Korea expanded medical school quotas to address physician shortages in underserved regions and essential specialties. Public concerns emerged over equity and distribution amid political pressure, limited stakeholder participation, and opaque workforce forecasts.

Objective

To explain how political dynamics, stakeholder exclusion, and weak integration of evidence shaped rapid policy change, and to assess implications for workforce planning and essential-care access.

Methods

We conducted a mixed-methods policy analysis using qualitative data from policy documents, legislative records, and media coverage, alongside secondary quantitative data on physician distribution and residency application trends. Thematic coding and triangulation were guided

SUBMITTER: Lee Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12644070 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature