Gijang-gun, Busan Begins Counseling and Registration for Advance Directives on Life-Sustaining Treatment

Respecting Patients' Right to Self-Determination for a Dignified Life

Gijang County in Busan has started providing advance consultation and registration services for Advance Directives on Life-Sustaining Treatment at the Gijang County Public Health Center from this year.

An Advance Directive on Life-Sustaining Treatment is a system that allows adults aged 19 or older to document their intention in advance to discontinue life-sustaining treatments (such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation, use of a ventilator, hemodialysis, chemotherapy, etc.) that only prolong the dying process. This system was established to respect the self-determination of patients in the dying process and to allow them to end their lives with dignity.

The Gijang County Public Health Center was designated as a 'Registration Institution for Advance Directives on Life-Sustaining Treatment' by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in October last year, and after preparing a consultation office and completing other necessary steps, began related services in January of this year.

To complete the application, individuals must visit the health center in person with identification. After receiving a thorough explanation from a counselor, they can decide whether to proceed with the application. The county health center operates a consultation desk at all times to support residents in easily preparing their Advance Directives on Life-Sustaining Treatment.

County Governor Jeong Jongbok stated, "The Advance Directive on Life-Sustaining Treatment holds great significance as it enables residents to make important decisions for a dignified life," and added, "We will actively support residents so that they can use this system thoughtfully and conveniently in a comfortable environment."

Gijang County Office.