Gangnam-gu, Establishment of Integrated COVID-19 Information System

Unification of Forms by KDCA, Local Governments, and Contractors for Reception... Epidemiological Management at Once... Time Reduction and Budget Savings Effects

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Gangnam-gu (District Mayor Jeong Soon-gyun) will operate the "COVID-19 Information Management System," the first in the nation to integrate and digitize all forms from registration for COVID-19 testing to result notification and epidemiological management, starting this month.

The "COVID-19 Information Management System" was developed in collaboration between the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) and Gangnam-gu, serving as a unified system among local governments, KDCA, and private testing agencies.

This achievement came just over two months after the district proposed processes and forms reflecting field opinions to the KDCA in February, aiming to integrate forms across institutions.

Civilians only need to fill out one application form via mobile. Data compatibility between institutions allows sharing of records, eliminating the hassle of staff having to re-enter over 1,300 cases daily into the system.

Mobile pre-registration shortens reception and waiting times, and abolishing paper documents reduces budget expenses.

Payment for testing fees is also expected to become smoother. Errors such as omissions due to duplicate registrations between institutions can be prevented, resolving payment suspension issues caused by discrepancies.

Information sharing among autonomous districts also facilitates management of epidemiological investigation subjects.

Shim Han-seok, Director of the Health Administration Division, said, "It is significant as we have established a national control tower capable of responding swiftly to infectious disease crises together with the government," adding, "Following the establishment of the nation's first 'Smart Infectious Disease Management Center' last year, we will ensure thorough infectious disease management through this newly introduced information management system."