The Korean government's plan to extend National Health Insurance coverage to hair-loss medication is facing growing criticism from patient groups and medical experts.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare will hold a public discussion on July 4 as part of the Forum for Everyone initiative.
President Lee Jae Myung described hair loss as a matter of survival during a briefing late last year and directed officials to review insurance coverage. Health Minister Jung Eun-kyung initially opposed the idea but later shifted to examining the proposal.
Patient groups argue that covering hair-loss drugs would divert resources from those with serious illnesses. The Korea Federation for Severe Disease Patients called the plan a populist policy that undermines the NHIS.
Experts estimate the annual cost at a minimum of 100 billion won. The NHIS reserve fund reached 30.2 trillion won last year, though projections indicate it could be depleted by 2033.
