Government Announces 'Measures to Improve Pediatric Healthcare System'
President Yoon Suk-yeol visited the Pediatric Surgery Ward at Seoul National University Children's Hospital in Jongno-gu, Seoul, on the 22nd, encouraging hospitalized children and their guardians. [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] The government has once again announced detailed measures regarding the crisis in pediatric and adolescent medical care. The plan includes expanding public specialized pediatric medical centers for treating severe pediatric patients and increasing compensation for pediatric care.
On the 22nd, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced the "Pediatric Medical System Improvement Measures," which focus on these points. This supplements the detailed policies from the "Essential Medical Support Measures" announced last month.
First, the government plans to gradually expand the 10 existing public specialized pediatric medical centers by designating 4 additional centers. To ensure stable operation and strengthen treatment capabilities, a deficit post-compensation system will be introduced, and budget support for facilities and equipment will be expanded. The number of pediatric specialized emergency medical centers, currently 8, will also be increased to 12.
Additional compensation for pediatric inpatient care will be expanded. The current 30% additional fee for children under 8 years old will be increased to 50% for those under 1 year old, and additional fees for pediatric care by full-time inpatient specialists will be newly reviewed.
Efforts to encourage hospitals to expand the employment of specialists have also been added. A system will be established to reflect the degree of effort in employing specialists in various designation and evaluation criteria, and support measures to encourage diversification of employment types will be devised. For example, introducing temporary work 2-3 times a week or part-time employment. The government plans to conduct research to prepare necessary legal and institutional improvements and support measures.
Furthermore, the government will accelerate the establishment of a 24-hour pediatric specialized consultation support system, which was included in the existing support measures. The "24-hour Pediatric Specialized Consultation Center Pilot Project," where medical personnel provide 24-hour telephone consultations for sudden pediatric symptoms, will be fully launched in the second half of this year. It will also provide symptom consultation, treatment guidance, and information on emergency and night/holiday operating medical institutions.
Cho Kyu-hong, Minister of Health and Welfare, said, "Strengthening the pediatric medical system is an investment in the children who will carry the future of the Republic of Korea, our future." He added, "We will carefully implement the pediatric medical system improvement measures and continue to supplement them by preparing additional measures to strengthen the essential medical foundation directly related to the lives of the people."
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