At the very least, it would be prudent to ensure that the development phase of primary care patient registration systems include appropriate functionality to record risk registers for the major chronic diseases. The development of a distinct primary care service that is provided in local communities will provide Korea with its best chance to meet its medium and longer term chronic and multi-morbidity health care needs. For such a service to flourish and to provide effective care, it is likely to be characterised by a system of local clinics that are led by family physicians and supported by properly trained practice nurses that seek to maintain contact with patients in supporting them with their health needs.