The South Korean government plans to increase medical school admissions by 2,000 spots next year, the first expansion in nearly two decades, to address the country’s doctor shortage. 

But experts say there may be unintended consequences that impact the quality of education, regional sustainability and the long-term distribution of healthcare professionals.

The government decided to increase admissions to the country’s medical schools as there is a severe need for medical professionals as the country rapidly ages. Seoul projects a shortage of some 20,000 trained medical professionals by 2035.

The government’s initiative aims to decentralize the medical profession and enhance