South Carolina is facing a shortage of doctors, with Florence County having the most Medically Underserved Areas (MUAs) in the state. MUAs are regions with a lack of primary care providers, high poverty rates, and limited access to healthcare. South Carolina ranks 39th in the U.S. for physicians per capita, with only 127.5 per 1,000 people compared to D.C.’s 515.6. Despite high poverty rates in Florence County, healthcare remains the top-grossing industry. To address physician shortages, South Carolina is opening a new School of Medicine Columbia in 2027, which will focus on medical education and research. Governor Henry McMaster praised the new facility, stating that it will help ensure South Carolinians continue to receive quality healthcare. Currently, eight areas in Florence County are designated as MUAs, highlighting the need for increased access to medical services in the region.
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