한국과 대만의 전통 의학 발전 정책에 대한 비교 연구

Abstract

The advent of an aging society has resulted in a sharp increase in healthcare needs and the role of traditional medicine is being reevaluated. Traditional medicine, especially when combined with family medicine, can contribute to disease prevention and long-term health care. According to a 2012 World Health Assembly resolution, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that traditional medicine be integrated into modern healthcare systems. There is, however, still a lack of institutional support for traditional medicine in South Korea, which makes it harder for it to function effectively in the country. Therefore, this study aims to compare and analyze the traditional medicine education, medical insurance policy, and Korean traditional medicine and western medicine collaboration system in Korea and Taiwan, using Taiwan’s traditional medicine system as a comparison target, and suggesting a possible direction for Korean traditional medicine development. In Korea, it is required that traditional medicine doctors complete either a six-year college program or a four-year graduate program in order to be licensed. In Taiwan, traditional doctors are trained in undergraduate and post-baccalaureate programs. There are about 28.5% of students who take courses that lead to dual licensure in traditional and western medicine. By combining traditional and western medicine, this dual licensure system allows for an integrated approach. In terms of health insurance, South Korea has a restrictive structure that excludes some traditional medicine treatments from insurance coverage, such as herbal medicines and acupuncture. In contrast, Taiwan actively promotes traditional medicine usage through quality control of Chinese medicines and expanded health insurance coverage, and it is well integrated into the national healthcare system. In conclusion, the Taiwanese case can serve as an example of how Korean policy can be improved in respect of traditional medicine. The first step would be to introduce a dual licensing system for traditional medicine doctors, and to increase the possibilities of integration with western medicine. Secondly, to ensure patient choice, expand insurance coverage of traditional medicine treatments such as herbal medicines and acupuncture. As a third measure, traditional and western medicine consultation systems should be established as a core model for international medical tourism. According to these recommendations, Korean traditional medicine can be integrated into the modern medical system through sustainable development and globalization strategies.