South Korea Courts Indian Healthcare Talent Amid Demographic Challenges
Facing an ageing population and low birth rates, South Korea is seeking Indian healthcare professionals to address its demographic crisis. While successful short-term policies have been implemented, the country continues to face challenges. India's demographic strength poses a potential solution in providing skilled personnel for Korea's needs.
- Country:
- India
South Korea is turning to India's healthcare workforce in a bid to manage its growing demographic crisis, according to Lim Sang Woo, the Charge d'Affaires at the Korean Embassy in New Delhi. As life expectancy in Korea is expected to reach 87.2 years by 2040, the country faces a simultaneous challenge with the world's lowest fertility rate currently at 0.72.
Lim highlighted India's demographic advantage, noting its large population and lack of birth rate issues as assets that could benefit Korea, which is seeing schools shut due to a lack of students. He made these remarks during the National Conference on Ageing in India, proposing that India's healthcare professionals could help fill this gap in Korea.
Lim outlined South Korea's attempts to address these demographic issues, including five-year plans initiated since 2006. Key policies provide parental leave up to three years for both parents, subsidized childcare, and significant financial incentives for families. Despite these measures, Lim acknowledged that the results have been limited, achieving only a minor increase in birth rate last year.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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