Seunghee Woo, Jeonnam Provincial Councilor, Demands "Welfare and Financial Support for Hansen's Disease Patients"

Seunghee Woo, Jeonnam Provincial Assembly Member

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] Systematic management and financial support to improve the welfare and quality of life of Hansen's disease patients in Jeonnam Province are expected to be promoted.

On the 9th, according to the Jeonnam Provincial Council, the "Jeonnam Province Hansen's Disease Settlement Village Environment Maintenance Support Ordinance Partial Amendment Ordinance," proposed by Representative Woo Seung-hee (Democratic Party of Korea, Yeongam 1), was passed at the 3rd plenary session of the 358th regular meeting.

This ordinance stipulates necessary matters for systematic and efficient management of Hansen's disease, including financial support for screening projects aimed at managing Hansen's disease and early detection of infected persons.

In particular, it established the basis for support to improve the welfare and quality of life of Hansen's disease patients and their families, such as cultural voucher projects and the use of public facilities.

Currently, there are 1,070 Hansen's disease patients residing in Jeonnam Province, including 465 at the National Sorokdo Hospital, 233 in settlement villages, and 340 receiving home care.

Representative Woo Seung-hee said, "Although Hansen's disease has very low infectivity and is completely curable with early diagnosis and treatment, Hansen's disease patients have suffered the most from discrimination and prejudice," adding, "We will continue to provide policy support for early detection and treatment as well as welfare promotion and quality of life improvement."