NewKerala.com

Key Points

South Korea is actively recruiting Indian healthcare professionals to address its severe ageing population crisis. The country's fertility rate has plummeted to 0.72, leading to school closures and labor shortages. Korean officials highlight India's young, skilled workforce as a potential solution. Despite incentives like parental leave and childcare support, Korea struggles to reverse its demographic decline.

Key Points: South Korea Seeks Indian Healthcare Workers Amid Ageing Crisis

  • South Korea's fertility rate hits record low at 0.72
  • India's young workforce seen as solution to Korea's ageing crisis
  • Korea offers parental leave and childcare subsidies to boost births
  • Diplomat highlights India's demographic advantage in healthcare sector
2 min read

S Korea eyeing Indian healthcare professionals to address ageing crisis

South Korea turns to India's healthcare professionals to combat its demographic crisis, citing low birth rates and ageing population challenges.

"You have a lot of talents. Why don't we have all these great Indian people in Korea? – Lim Sang Woo, Korean Embassy"

New Delhi, August 1

South Korea is looking to India's healthcare professionals to help tackle its looming demographic crisis, as the country fast becomes one of the world's oldest societies, Lim Sang Woo, Charge d'Affaires at the Korean Embassy here, said on Friday.

With life expectancy in Korea projected to reach 87.2 years by 2040, the diplomat said the country is simultaneously battling the world's lowest fertility rate, which stands at 0.72.

Pointing to India's demographic strength, Lim said, "You are the most populous country in the world, and you don't have low birth rate problems like us. You have a lot of talents. Why don't we have all these great Indian people in Korea? We have schools shutting down because there are no more students, and I know there are a lot of great healthcare personnel in India. Why not let them come to Korea?"

He was speaking at the National Conference on Ageing in India.

Outlining his country's efforts, Lim said Seoul has rolled out five-year plans since 2006 to tackle both low birth rates and ageing.

Policies include up to three years of parental leave for both parents, subsidised childcare, housing support for newlyweds, and financial incentives such as Incheon city's scheme that provides families up to USD 72,000 per child until they turn 18.

On support for the elderly, Lim highlighted universal healthcare, contributory and non-contributory pensions, and a long-term care insurance scheme launched in 2008 to provide home and daycare services.

Pilot projects for integrated community-based care are also being rolled out.

Despite these efforts, Lim admitted that results remain limited. "We had some short-term results at best... last year we saw an increase from 0.72 to 0.75, the first in nine years, but we still have a long way to go."

The session, chaired by NITI Aayog member Dr Vinod K Paul, was part of the inaugural of Shaping Futures: Preparing for an Ageing Society, organised by Sankala Foundation with support from NITI Aayog, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, and NHRC.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
While this seems beneficial, we must not forget India's own healthcare needs. Rural areas still lack doctors. Maybe a balanced approach where some go abroad while others serve in Indian villages?
R
Rohit P
Korea's social policies are impressive! 3 years parental leave and $72k per child? Maybe our government should learn from them instead of just sending our professionals abroad. Our birth rate is also declining in urban areas.
S
Sarah B
As someone who worked in both countries, Indian healthcare workers will face cultural challenges in Korea. The work culture is extremely demanding there. Proper orientation programs must be arranged before sending people.
V
Vikram M
Brain drain is a real concern. Many IIT/IIM graduates already go abroad. Now doctors and nurses too? We invest so much in their education only to lose them to other countries. Need better incentives to retain talent here.
K
Kavya N
This could be win-win if handled properly. Korean hospitals get staff, our professionals get good salaries and experience, and they can bring back knowledge to improve Indian healthcare. But proper bilateral agreements are must! 🇮🇳🤝🇰🇷

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50