Kim Shin-young, 43, living in southern Seoul, shared her experience with her 11-year-old son's non-reimbursable growth hormone injections, which started two and a half years ago. The son was prescribed with Dong-A ST’s Growthtropin II.
Despite the financial burden of some 7 million won annually, Kim administers the injections to her son every evening for six days a week. Her son's initial height, about 10 centimeters below the average for his age in early 2021, has improved to about 6 centimeters below in late 2023.
However, the medication's cost, which can amount to 10 million won annually, presents a substantial financial challenge for parents, potentially lasting six or seven years.
Kim said she was discouraged from seeking reimbursement due to the fear that a "patient" label on her son could impact his future job opportunities or medical insurance subscriptions.