| [ Summary ] |
In Korea, the present number of dialysis patient is approximately 42,000. The increasing rate of hemodialysis patients is high in comparison with the number of kidney transplant patients. Circumstances where the number of donors is insufficient is cause for this condition but, lack of adequate hemodialysis facilities and safe access to cures are the primary factors. The increase in the number of advanced kidney disease patients is greater than the increase in the general population. The number of kidney patients per 1 million is approximately 1,000. This shows there is a high morbidity rate. Most dialysis patients are covered by the Korean insurance system which is similar to that in Japan in conjunction with the national pension insurance system, health insurance and government employee insurance programs, all being government sponsored. Most hemodialysis patients bear 20 % of the cost. However, some facilities exempt some individuals from payment. |