S. Korea's health care spending hits all-time high in Q1

SEOUL, June 9 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's household spending on medical and other
health care services jumped to an all-time high in the first quarter of this year
as its population is aging, a report showed Tuesday.
According to the National Statistical Office, medical and health care spending by
households with more than two family members amounted to a monthly average of
135,000 won (US$107) in the January-March period.
The figure marked the first time that the monthly spending has exceeded the
130,000-won mark.
The nation's fast-aging population drove up medical and health care spending
despite declining overall expenditures amid a protracted economic slump, experts
said.
South Korea is rapidly becoming an aged society, or one in which more than 14
percent of the population is 65 or older. The nation became an aging society in
2000, when the ratio exceeded 7 percent.
kokobj@yna.co.kr
(END)