Gangwon Province plans to invest 1.4 billion won (US$1.24 million) to expand the system to provincial hospitals, as well as five local clinics that are currently operating. (image: Korea Bizwire)
CHUNCHEON, Jan. 25 (Korea Bizwire) — Gangwon Province’s ‘Hospital Ward without Guardian’ initiative is gaining a positive response from residents.
The system was aimed at reducing the economic burden on the underprivileged.
The province has been providing the service as a pilot project from August 2013, and had offered 6,422 patients 24-hour care for an average of 15 days as of last year.
The province plans to invest 1.4 billion won (US$1.24 million) to expand the system to provincial hospitals, as well as five local clinics that are currently operating. The number of wards will increase from 10 to 55 and 12 to 65, respectively.
Residents who are entitled to the service are those who are subject to receive medical care, those who need emergency medical care and those who requested the service at the local community’s agency.
All applicants can receive free 24-hour medical care services, including meal assistance and activity assistance, both of which are necessary for patient recovery. If needed, one can extend the service for 15 days if necessary.
The system has help to contribute to the stabilization of family and job creation by easing the economic burden of health care along with providing care for patients in vulnerable places.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
