Gangdong-gu Operates 'Respiratory Specialized Clinic'

Policies Changing in 2021: Operation of Respiratory Clinics, Support for Childbirth and Parenting, Expansion of Resident Safety Insurance Coverage

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Gangdong-gu (District Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon) has unveiled new community-centered policies for this year.

First, as the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) continues for a prolonged period, there are concerns about the simultaneous outbreak of other respiratory infections such as colds and flu.

In response, the district operates a ‘Respiratory Dedicated Clinic’ for residents who have cold symptoms but are hesitant to visit hospitals due to fear of COVID-19 infection. The facility is equipped with negative pressure systems to prevent infection and is located in the rear parking lot of the Gangdong-gu Public Health Center. To minimize cross-infection among patients, medical consultations are available only by prior appointment, and if COVID-19 is suspected during the initial examination, specimen collection is also possible.

Welfare policies related to education and childbirth for residents also stand out. The school uniform purchase support policy, which was first introduced among Seoul’s autonomous districts, will provide a 300,000 KRW ‘Enrollment Support Fund’ per new middle and high school student starting this year. The fund is paid via Zero Pay, which can be used at small business stores, and can be used to purchase clothing, study materials, and smart devices necessary for remote learning.

Childcare support is also expanded. The congratulatory gift for the second child has been increased from 300,000 KRW to 400,000 KRW, and the existing childbirth congratulatory gifts of 200,000 KRW for the first child, 500,000 KRW for the third child, and 1,000,000 KRW for the fourth child or more will continue.

Additionally, Gangdong-gu is the first in Seoul to implement a ‘Temporary Childcare Expense Support Project.’ This provides temporary childcare support of 200,000 KRW per child per month for up to nine months to childcare expense creditors who face difficulties caring for minor children due to unpaid childcare fees.

Furthermore, medical expenses related to pregnancy and childbirth for adolescent mothers, as well as medical expenses for infants within one year of birth, will be supported up to 1,200,000 KRW per pregnancy. The eligible age for support has been expanded from under 18 years old to under 19 years old this year.

There are also Gangdong-gu residents’ safety insurance and bicycle insurance, which serve as a reliable support for residents. All Gangdong-gu residents are automatically enrolled, and coverage can overlap with personal insurance. The residents’ safety insurance, which pays insurance benefits when residents suffer damage from various disasters or accidents, will add new coverage items starting January 25, 2021. A new item for ‘Injury Treatment Costs While Using Public Transportation’ has been added, providing coverage according to injury grade up to a limit of 500,000 KRW.

Depending on the coverage item, compensation is provided up to a maximum limit of 10 million KRW, and insurance claims can be made through the Residents’ Safety Insurance Call Center.

The residents’ bicycle insurance provides compensation up to 10 million KRW in case of death or permanent disability, and injury consolation money ranging from 200,000 to 600,000 KRW (for 4 to 8 weeks or more) is paid if treatment lasts more than four weeks.

Additionally, insurance covers bicycle accident fines, attorney fees, and traffic accident handling support funds (up to a limit of 30 million KRW). Insurance claims can be made through the Residents’ Bicycle Insurance Call Center.

Moreover, social security benefits such as basic pension for the elderly, educational benefits for low-income families, basic disability pension, and livelihood benefits will be expanded in 2021. New eligible applicants can apply by visiting their local community service center or through the ‘Bokjiro’ website. (Seoul-type basic security system applications are only accepted in person).

Lee Jeong-hoon, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, said, “We will be a strong supporter for residents with community-centered policies that empower their lives. In the New Year of the Ox, we will strive even harder to make Gangdong a place where everyone can be happy.”