Gyeonggi-do Increases Pediatric Night and Holiday Clinics from 17 to 40 Locations

The number of pediatric night and holiday clinics in Gyeonggi Province has been significantly expanded to 40 locations.

Gyeonggi Province announced on the 11th that the number of pediatric night and holiday clinics in the province has greatly increased from 17 last year to 40 this year, as two additional Dalbit Children's Hospitals, which are pediatric-exclusive hospitals where outpatient treatment is available during nights and holidays, have opened.

Gyeonggi Province increased the number of Dalbit Children's Hospitals from 17 last year to 28 as of November this year. Additionally, 12 new pediatric night and holiday clinics in vulnerable areas have been newly operated this year, making a total of 40 locations treating pediatric patients during nights and holidays.

On the 11th, Gyeonggi Province newly designated Goyang Jichuk Aijeil Hospital and Namyangju Dasan Cheongaram Children's Hospital as Dalbit Children's Hospitals.

Goyang Jichuk Ijeil Hospital newly designated as Moonlight Children's Hospital. Provided by Gyeonggi Provincial Government

Dalbit Children's Hospitals provide outpatient treatment until 11 PM on weekdays and 6 PM on weekends for mild pediatric patients under the age of 18. Before the launch of the 8th Gyeonggi Province administration, there were only six such hospitals. These hospitals allow outpatient treatment during nights and holidays, reducing the cost burden associated with emergency room visits and decreasing emergency room use by mild patients. They also help alleviate emergency room overcrowding during doctors' collective actions.

Last year, Gyeonggi Province collected field opinions several times to improve the pediatric emergency care system and expand Dalbit Children's Hospitals. They requested the government to improve the fees and provide operational support for Dalbit Children's Hospitals. The Ministry of Health and Welfare accepted this and began fee improvements and operational support. As of June this year, 16 out of 25 Dalbit Children's Hospitals in Gyeonggi Province that meet budget support conditions such as operating hours are receiving operational support.

Yu Young-cheol, Director of the Gyeonggi Province Health and Wellness Bureau, said, "Although the pediatric care system is changing due to the prolonged doctors' collective actions, Gyeonggi Province is continuously striving to improve the pediatric emergency medical system," adding, "We will do our best to ensure that both children and parents can use medical services with peace of mind."