Support of Blood Pressure and Blood Glucose Monitors for Low-Income Chronic Disease Patients in COVID-19 Special Disaster Areas

On the afternoon of the 30th, soldiers from the Army 2nd Operations Command are conducting disinfection work in front of Hansarang Nursing Hospital in Seo-gu, Daegu.

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dae-yeol] Low-income patients with chronic diseases in Daegu, Gyeongsan-si in Gyeongbuk, and Cheongdo and Bonghwa counties can now receive blood pressure monitors and blood glucose meters.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on the 1st that among medical aid recipients in the special disaster areas due to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), those who have received hospital treatment for hypertension or diabetes within the past year will be provided with blood pressure monitors and blood glucose meters that patients can use themselves. Since these diseases have a high risk of worsening to severe conditions if infected with COVID-19, strict management of blood pressure and blood glucose is necessary, and a contingency fund has been allocated for this purpose.

Eligible individuals can apply by phone or in person at their local eup, myeon, or dong community service centers by the 10th. Hypertension patients will receive self-measuring blood pressure monitors, diabetes patients will receive self-measuring blood glucose meters and consumables, and those with multiple diseases will receive both. The devices are equipped with communication functions and will utilize mobile phone applications to enable health centers or local clinics to assist in disease management, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.