Chonnam National University Hospital Designated as a Dedicated Medical Institution for Child Abuse Cases

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam National University Hospital announced on the 10th that it has recently been designated as the Gwangju Metropolitan Dedicated Medical Institution for the Ministry of Health and Welfare's '2023 Child Abuse Dedicated Medical Institution Activation Project.'

Jeonnam National University Hospital will serve as an official organization for systematic and comprehensive support related to reporting, consultation, and medical assistance concerning child abuse.

Chairman Jo Hwajin of Jeonnam National University Children's Hospital (Professor of Pediatrics), along with Vice Chairman Kim Seongmin (Professor of Pediatric Orthopedics), and committee members Lee Juyeon (Professor of Psychiatry), Lee Yoonyoung (Professor of Radiology), Jo Yongsu (Professor of Emergency Medicine), Ryu Hanseung (Professor of Neurosurgery), Choi Insu (Professor of Pediatrics), as well as nurses, lawyers, clinical psychologists, and social workers, form a total of 13 members of the Child Protection Committee. They provide medical treatment and consultation throughout the entire process of reporting, investigating, and case management of severely abused (suspected) children.

Additionally, 16 dedicated medical institutions within Gwangju City have been designated to conduct education related to child abuse, and a cooperative system with related organizations such as police stations and child protection agencies has been established to provide 24-hour emergency medical services for abused (suspected) children.

Chairman Jo Hwajin stated, “Among the types of child abuse perpetrators, cases caused by parents accounted for 83.7%, the highest proportion. Since most abuse occurs within the home, urgent measures to prevent child abuse targeting parents are necessary. Through cooperation with responsible institutions, we will strive to detect abused children at an early stage and support their physical and psychological recovery.”