Regional Healthcare Disparities Expose Vulnerabilities in Jeju

The persistent issue of unequal access to medical care across different regions of South Korea is once again in the spotlight. On Jeju Island, a critical shortage of specialized surgeons, particularly those skilled in microsurgery like finger reattachment, is forcing residents to seek urgent treatment elsewhere, frequently enough requiring costly and time-sensitive travel to other cities.

The Citrus Farming Connection: A Growing Need for Reconstructive Surgery

Jeju Island’s thriving citrus industry, while economically vital, presents unique occupational hazards. The increasing use of electric pruning shears, though efficient, has led to a rise in accidental injuries, including severe finger lacerations and amputations. Data indicates that between January and May each year, approximately 50 individuals on Jeju Island sustain such injuries during pruning activities alone.

These injuries underscore the urgent need for readily available reconstructive surgical expertise on the island.

Patients Face Hurdles: From Injury to Treatment

The ordeal for injured individuals extends far beyond the initial accident. Patients report critically important difficulties in accessing appropriate medical care on Jeju.As one patient, Oh Seung-beom, who underwent finger reattachment surgery, explained:

There isn’t a suitable hospital to treat me here. I was told I had to go to a hospital in Seoul or Busan…
Oh Seung-beom, Finger Reattachment Surgery Patient

Even when patients are transferred to local hospitals, the absence of specialized microsurgeons means they can only receive initial frist aid. This necessitates emergency transfers to hospitals on the mainland,adding further stress and potential delays to critical treatment.

Transportation Woes Compound the Problem

The challenges don’t end with finding a qualified surgeon. Patients often face logistical nightmares when attempting to travel off the island for treatment. Go Young-hoon, another patient requiring finger reattachment surgery, highlighted the difficulties:

Even though my first thought was to get to a hospital as quickly as possible because of the pain, securing a flight wasn’t easy.
go Young-hoon, Finger Reattachment Surgery Patient

Even securing a flight doesn’t guarantee passage. Families of patients have reported being initially denied boarding, requiring additional documentation and approvals from local hospitals before airlines will permit travel. This bureaucratic hurdle adds needless delays to time-sensitive medical emergencies.

At first, boarding was denied. I tried to board the plane with just the referral, but they said I needed permission from the hospital stating that I was fit to fly.
Family member of Finger Reattachment Surgery Patient

Band-Aid Solutions: Current Measures Fall Short

While Jeju Island authorities have implemented measures to address the lack of finger joint surgery specialists as October of last year, these efforts primarily focus on providing initial first aid and facilitating transfers to other regions. This approach, while helpful, fails to address the core issue: the absence of specialized surgical expertise on the island itself.

Looking Ahead: Addressing the Healthcare Imbalance

The situation on Jeju Island underscores the broader issue of healthcare disparities in South Korea. A comprehensive solution requires investment in attracting and retaining specialized medical professionals in underserved regions. This could involve incentives such as higher salaries, improved facilities, and enhanced professional development opportunities. Furthermore, telemedicine and remote surgical support systems could provide interim solutions while long-term capacity is built.

Without decisive action, residents of Jeju Island and other regions facing similar challenges will continue to experience unnecessary hardship and compromised health outcomes.