The Pneumonia Appropriateness Assessment is a nationwide initiative aimed at enhancing the quality and consistency of pneumonia diagnosis and treatment. Conducted annually by HIRA, the evaluation targets hospitals and medical institutions across South Korea.

The sixth assessment, conducted from October 2023 to March 2024, evaluated care for adult patients (aged 18 and older) hospitalized with pneumonia across medical institutions nationwide. Key performance indicators included the rate of oxygen saturation testing, utilization of severity assessment tools, and timely antibiotic administration within eight hours of hospital arrival—highlighting the vital importance of early intervention in pneumonia treatment.
“Pneumonia is the third leading cause of death in South Korea, underscoring the need for early diagnosis and timely treatment,” said Dr. Byung-geun Kim, director of Park Ae Hospital. “We remain dedicated to delivering high-quality medical services, earning community trust, and ensuring our patients receive the best possible care.”
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr