Seoul Jung-gu Introduces Home Medical Care Service

Starting May, Home Visit Medical Services by Doctors Implemented... Providing Surgical Care Such as Dressing and Pressure Ulcer Management for Mobility-Impaired and Basic Livelihood Security Recipients, Along with Diabetes Complications and Tube Management

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Jung-gu, Seoul (Mayor Seoyangho) will provide home medical services to residents starting in May, as the demand for enjoying various services such as performances, exercise, and shopping at home has increased with the recent spread of telecommuting culture.

The "Jung-gu Home Medical Service" is a project where doctors visit homes to provide examinations, treatment, and education. After a pilot program last year where medical staff from Jung-gu Public Health Center visited the homes of recipients, the service will be officially launched this year through agreements with four private primary medical institutions located in Jung-gu.

The service targets individuals who require surgical treatment but have difficulty visiting hospitals due to mobility issues, basic livelihood security recipients, and others. Visiting nurses and social workers from the community service centers identify eligible individuals and refer them to the Jung-gu Public Health Center, after which contracted doctors visit their homes.

The scope of treatment includes ▲ pressure ulcer management ▲ surgical treatments such as dressing changes ▲ management of diabetes complications ▲ tube care (tracheostomy tubes, nasogastric tubes, indwelling urinary catheters) ▲ medical education for patients and caregivers. All costs are fully covered by the district.

This project will operate until December, and based on user satisfaction evaluations, the scale and target of the project will be expanded in the future.

Seoyangho, Mayor of Jung-gu, said, "Through the Jung-gu Home Medical Service, we have resolved blind spots in medical welfare," and added, "We will continue to carefully capture residents' needs according to changing times and provide highly satisfactory services."