Parliamentary committee passes bill mandating gov't-affiliated body to review medical school quotas

A parliamentary committee on Tuesday approved a revised bill requiring an independent body under the health minister to determine medical school admission quotas starting in 2027.

The advisory body, under the direct supervision of the minister of health and welfare, will be responsible for reviewing and forecasting the supply and demand of the medical workforce across all medical fields.

It will be made up of members appointed by recommendation from medical groups, patient advocacy groups and academic experts, with a majority of members recommended by medical groups, such as the Korean Medical Association.

To ensure independence and transparency, the amendment explicitly mandates that the committee operate autonomously and requires the disclosure of meeting records and materials.

If the bill passes the National Assembly's plenary session, it will take effect starting with the 2027 academic year. (Yonhap)