The operation of pediatric emergency care hospitals across the country is severely deteriorating. This is evidenced by the fact that only 27.4 percent of hospitals can provide emergency care for pediatric patients 24 hours a day.

If the current trend of physicians' reluctance towards this specialty persists, only about 25 percent of the total designated positions for pediatric residents will be filled by 2025.

The Korean Pediatric Society (KPS) released such findings through its recent survey titled "2023 Pediatric Training Status in Korea."

The survey, conducted from Aug. 2 to 16, encompassed 95 training hospitals nationwide.

Heavy burden on professors due to staff shortages

Despite a 14 percent decline in outpatient visits for the pediatrics department in the first half of 2023 compared to pre-Covid times, a recovery trend in recent outpatient visits was observed. The increase of outpatient visits in pediatrics has amplified the workload of professors, especially during night shifts, which forecasts a worsening situation.

Admissions in the first half of 2023 decreased by 37 percent compared to 2019, with ongoing reductions due to staff shortages.

Currently, 82 percent of training hospitals have reduced their patient beds, with a third of them cutting down admissions by more than 50 percent.

An additional 15.4 percent of hospitals plan to decrease admissions further if resident shortages intensify.

Regarding pediatric emergency services in 2023, only 27.4 percent of hospitals could operate 24 hours, a decline from 38 percent in 2022.

Additionally, 20 percent of training hospitals are considering further reductions in patient admissions due to the ongoing resident shortage.

If the current trends persist, and if the pediatric department does not see an increase in applicants, by 2024, 48 percent of hospitals may operate without any residents.

Also, due to the shift to a three-year training program, both third and fourth-year pediatric residents will graduate simultaneously in February 2025.

If the current dismal intake rates persist, by March 2025, out of a total of 600 positions for first, second, and third-year residents, only around 150-160 will be filled.

If resident intake remains below 30 percent, 68 percent of hospitals in the Seoul metro area and 86 percent in other regions may operate without any pediatrician residents.

The KPS warned that without the rapid deployment of specialists, not only nighttime but even daytime general ward operations of pediatric treatment could face a significant crisis.

According to the society, 63 percent of training hospitals are operating with professors covering shifts meant for residents.

"While measures to improve the pediatric healthcare system have been announced, the lack of specialist personnel in major training hospitals, especially for intensive and emergency care, is worsening rapidly," the KPS said. "There is an urgent need for the government to support the swift deployment of specialists to maintain medical services in training hospitals."