VIEWPOINT The Korean medical system: What does the future hold?

Abstract: The Korean medical system faces some challenges. Recently, the government enforced a medical reform drawing a clear line between prescribing and dispensing of drugs. As a result, the National Health Insurance System plunged into a financial crisis. The number of medical practitioners is increasing rapidly. The integration of western medicine and traditional medicine may be another issue for the future. The future of the Korean medical system relies on how we overcome the challenges and conflicts. © 2002 Blackwell Science Asia Key words: health care reform, health insurance, Korea