Government "Smooth Transfer and Referral System Operation by Medical Institutions"

During the Chuseok holiday, 407 emergency rooms are expected to operate 24 hours a day. On the 13th, the government announced through a special plan to maintain the emergency medical system for the holiday that it will operate a smooth transfer and referral system to distribute patients appropriately according to the circumstances of each medical institution. According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare, out of 409 emergency rooms nationwide during the holiday period, a total of 407 will operate 24 hours daily, except for 2.

One of the hospitals that will close, Konkuk University Chungju Hospital, will not operate its emergency room during the Chuseok holiday from September 14 to 18. The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to activate an emergency medical system in nearby areas such as Chungju Medical Center, Jecheon, Cheongju, and Wonju to compensate for Konkuk University Chungju Hospital.

Myeongju Hospital is also expected to suspend emergency room operations due to hospital management circumstances. The Ministry of Health and Welfare urged people with mild symptoms to use local clinics or emergency rooms of nearby small and medium-sized hospitals.

Jung Yoon-soon, Director of Health and Medical Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said, "If it is judged to be severe based on the examination results at the emergency room of a small or medium-sized hospital, patients can be quickly transferred to a large hospital, so there is no need to worry," adding, "In this case, the medical expenses burden is the same as usual."

She also said, "If you think it is a serious illness that requires immediate emergency response, please report to 119 immediately," and "119 will transfer patients directly to hospitals appropriate for the severity." On average, 7,931 medical institutions open daily during the Chuseok holiday period.

On the first day of the holiday, the 14th, 27,066 places operate. Then, 3,009 places open on the 15th, 3,254 on the 16th, 1,785 on the 17th, and 3,840 on the last day of the holiday, the 18th. Compared to 1,622 clinics and hospitals open on this year's Seollal (Lunar New Year) day, the number of clinics and hospitals open on Chuseok day this year increases by about 10%.