SEOUL, South Korea – July 5, 2025 – To combat critical shortages in regional emergency surgical services, the South Korean government has officially designated 54 general and specialized hospitals across the nation to participate in the 'Emergency Abdominal Surgery Support Pilot Project for Surgical Hospitals.' Announced on July 4th by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), this program, slated to run through December 2028, is a direct response to the increasing need for accessible, round-the-clock emergency surgical care outside of major university and tertiary hospitals.

The Rationale: Expanding the Role of Local Hospitals 

Historically, severe, emergent, and rare diseases have been the primary domain of tertiary hospitals (상급종합병원). However, there's a growing recognition that general and specialized hospitals (종합병원 and 병원) must expand their role in managing moderate-severity conditions that necessitate emergency or night-time surgeries, particularly those related to acute abdominal issues.

A significant challenge has been the insufficient compensation for emergency surgeries performed within 24 hours of patient arrival at hospitals that are not designated as "center-level" emergency medical institutions. This disparity has hindered these hospitals' ability to maintain the necessary infrastructure and staffing for 24/7 emergency surgical readiness.

In response, the MOHW has devised a comprehensive compensation scheme designed to incentivize and support regional surgical hospitals in maintaining their 24-hour emergency surgical capabilities, attracting and retaining qualified personnel, and fostering regional collaborative networks. This strategic investment is expected to bridge existing gaps in emergency surgical services by strengthening the infrastructure of hospitals capable of performing emergency abdominal surgeries around the clock, and by establishing robust transfer and inter-hospital cooperation systems.

Eligibility and Selection Criteria 

The pilot project specifically targets surgical hospitals, excluding tertiary hospitals, that can provide 24-hour on-call services and perform emergency abdominal surgeries. Eligible institutions are primarily general hospitals and smaller medical facilities that are regional emergency medical institutions or below that tier.

Key selection criteria included:

Surgical Volume: A minimum of 50 emergency abdominal surgeries per year from a list of 62 designated procedures, including common ones like appendectomies and intestinal obstruction surgeries.
Staffing: At least three full-time surgeons, with a minimum of two being permanent staff members.
Emergency Response System: A well-established emergency surgical response system, including collaboration plans with tertiary hospitals, other medical institutions, and fire departments (for emergency transfers).
Following a rigorous selection process, 54 hospitals nationwide were ultimately chosen to participate.

Regional Distribution of Selected Hospitals 

The selected hospitals are distributed across various regions, reflecting a concerted effort to enhance local access to emergency surgical care:

Seoul (18 hospitals): Gangnam Jiin Hospital, Damsou Hospital, Seoul Yang Hospital, Min Hospital, Sinil Hospital, Jangteun Witeun Hospital, Guro Seongsim Hospital, Dongsin Hospital (Dongsin Medical Foundation), Gibeum Hospital, Daehang Hospital, Hansol Hospital, Daerim Seongmo Hospital, Yeongdeungpo Hospital (Inbong Medical Foundation), Eunpyeong Yonsei Hospital, Cheonggu Seongsim Hospital (Cheonggu Seongsim Medical Foundation), Seoul Red Cross Hospital, Seran Hospital, Seoul Songdo Hospital.
Gyeonggi Province (8 hospitals): The Zain Hospital (Jain Medical Foundation), Namyangju Yang Hospital, L Hospital, Won Hospital, Chihang Hospital, Hansarang Hospital (Seojeon Medical Foundation), Sarang Hospital (Chilseok Medical Foundation), Park Hospital (Gallen Medical Foundation).
Busan (7 hospitals): Dongnae Bongsaeng Hospital, Busan Hangwoon Hospital (Paran City Medical Foundation), Sangkehan Hospital, Saehangwoon Hospital, Wellness Hospital, Yeongdo Hospital, Busan 2nd Hangwoon Hospital Sangkehan Hospital.
Daegu (5 hospitals): Dream General Hospital, Samil Hospital, Gu Hospital (Gu Medical Foundation), Cheonju Seongsam Hospital (Mirenae Cheonju Seongsam Clergy Congregation), Kwak Hospital.
Gyeongbuk (2 hospitals): Gyeongsan Jungang Hospital (Geunwon Medical Foundation), Semyeong General Hospital (Seomyeong Medical Foundation).
Gwangju (3 hospitals): Hanam Seongsim Hospital, Gwangju Hyundai Hospital, Sangmu Hospital.
Jeonnam (3 hospitals): Naju General Hospital, Mokpo Christian Hospital, Yeosu Jeil Hospital (Hanmaum Medical Foundation).
Gyeongnam (3 hospitals): Malgeunsaem Hospital (Seongnyeom Medical Foundation), Jinju Goryeo Hospital (Moonbyeongwook Medical Foundation), Gut Hospital.
Chungnam (2 hospitals): Seosan Jungang Hospital, Cheonan Medical Center.
Incheon (1 hospital): BS General Hospital.
Daejeon (1 hospital): Daecheong Hospital.
Gangwon (1 hospital): Seongji Hospital (Seongji Medical Foundation).
 
Financial Incentives and Support Mechanisms 

Participating medical institutions will receive significant financial benefits to support their expanded roles. These include:

Surgical Fee Surcharge: A 100% surcharge on medical fees for the 62 designated emergency abdominal surgeries and related anesthesia costs performed within 24 hours. During "emergency care periods," an additional 100% surcharge will be applied, effectively doubling the standard fee. This aims to make these critical procedures financially viable for regional hospitals.
Regional Support Funds: Institutions located outside the Seoul Metropolitan Area and major metropolitan cities will be eligible for regional support funds, ranging from 100 million to 300 million Korean Won (approximately $72,000 to $216,000 USD, as of July 2025), with the exact amount varying based on medical service utilization patterns and performance. A substantial portion of these funds (approximately 70%) will be disbursed upfront, with the remainder paid later, contingent on the hospital's continued adherence to the program's capacity maintenance requirements.
The MOHW's Insurance Benefits Division stated, "Through this, we will strengthen the emergency surgical capabilities of regional hospitals and support them in acquiring the necessary infrastructure to resolve emergency surgical gaps within local communities."

This pilot project represents a crucial step in the South Korean government's broader strategy to reinforce essential healthcare services and ensure that all citizens have access to timely and high-quality emergency medical care, regardless of their location. The success of this initiative will be closely monitored, potentially paving the way for similar programs in other critical medical fields.