In the midst of a healthcare crisis, the number of ICU beds is being increased, and the reasons behind patient concentration in metropolitan areas are being addressed along with efforts to enhance cancer treatment capabilities. According to Changwon Hanmaeum Hospital, their expansion not only in size but also in medical capacity enables them to take on the role of a ‘big brother’ in the community’s healthcare. Despite ongoing healthcare challenges, they have made significant contributions to minimizing the gap in essential medical services.
Changwon Hanmaeum Hospital increased the number of adult ICU beds from 54 to 61 last year, enhancing their ability to treat severe cases, thus holding the largest capacity among secondary medical institutions in Gyeongsangnam-do. They added specialists in intensive medicine and emergency care, and were designated as a regional emergency medical center in September of the same year.
The number of severe emergency (suspected) patients increased by 80.9%, from 10,619 in 2022 to 19,214 last year. According to the Gyeongnam Provincial Medical Policy Division, Hanmaeum Hospital accommodated the most emergency patients transported within the province, even treating patients from the Gyeongbuk area via doctor helicopter.
The hospital is also bolstering its capabilities in treating serious cancer cases, one of the key factors driving patient concentration in metropolitan areas. Designated as a cancer treatment cooperation hospital in April of last year, they performed 27 liver transplant surgeries, the most in the Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongnam regions. Pancreatic cancer treatment capacity has increased significantly, with inpatient numbers rising from 66 in 2022 to 431 last year, a 554% increase. According to Professor Kim Ki-hwan, this achievement indicates that challenging medical treatments can be addressed locally, minimizing the need to seek care elsewhere.
The number of surgeries, including cancer surgeries, continues to grow, with 10,398 surgeries performed last year, a 29.6% increase from 2022. Professor Kim highlights that such changes show that patients can access diverse medical services at regional secondary hospitals, significantly enhancing local healthcare accessibility.
Hospital representatives stress that reforms are needed in the remuneration system to foster excellent secondary regional medical facilities, as current fee structures reward tertiary institutions more for the same services. They argue that equal compensation for equal services should be provided to ensure high-quality care and to attract skilled healthcare professionals to regional hospitals.
Changwon Hanmaeum Hospital’s success in pancreatic cancer treatment is attributed to Professor Kim Myung-hwan, who brought his expertise from Asan Medical Center in Seoul to spearhead the hospital’s development despite having no prior ties to Changwon.
Director Kim emphasizes that secondary hospitals must confidently handle time-critical diseases and cancer if they are to go beyond merely supporting higher-tier institutions. By rewarding capable hospitals equally for the same services provided by tertiary institutions, they can play a vital intermediary role between primary and tertiary care, ultimately benefiting residents’ health.
Chairman Ha Chung-sik adds that if surgeries such as pancreaticectomy are successfully performed, the hospital and its staff deserve equal recognition and compensation irrespective of being a secondary institution. He stresses that healthcare quality should not be secondary based on the type of institution but should consistently offer the best possible care.