Service to Visit Hospitals on Behalf of Parents When Their Child Is Sick to Launch

Gwangju Buk-gu Introduces "Sick Child Hospital Companion Service"
Support for Dual-Income and Single-Parent Families with Children Aged 4 to 12
Up to Five Uses Per Month with Dedicated Staff Accompanying Each Time
Staff Provides Assistance from Transportation to Hospital to Returning Home

Gwangju Buk-gu has stepped up to ensure that parents do not have to give up going to work when their child is sick.

On the 26th, Gwangju Buk-gu announced that starting in April, it will implement the "Sick Child Hospital Companion Service" to help alleviate the care gap for dual-income and single-parent families. In situations where guardians find it difficult to take their child to the hospital, a dedicated staff member will accompany the child to the hospital by car, and will be responsible for the child's return home after medical treatment and prescription are completed.

Gwangju Bukgu District Office building exterior.

This project, introduced for the first time this year, is funded by 80 million won from the Hometown Love Fund. Buk-gu has completed preliminary procedures such as consultations with the Ministry of Health and Welfare regarding the social security system, deliberations on local subsidies, and the selection of an implementing agency.

The service is operated by Kkum Namu Social Welfare Center, a child welfare specialist institution, and is available to dual-income and single-parent families residing in Buk-gu with children aged 4 to 12. Applications can be submitted starting in April, and the service is available on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Each child can use the service up to five times per month, with a usage fee of 1,000 won per session. Hospital treatment and prescription costs are borne by the guardian.

The service is provided based on the child's information and hospital schedule entered by the applicant, and if there are any notable results or special circumstances from the medical visit, the guardian is immediately notified by text or phone call. District Mayor Moon In said, "We hope this project will provide practical help to families raising children amid prolonged low birth rates and the burden of childcare," adding, "We will make sure that the Hometown Love Fund created through donations becomes a meaningful example of giving back to the local community."

Starting this year, Buk-gu is expanding child-rearing-friendly policies by fully implementing three new initiatives, including this hospital companion service, a paternity leave incentive, and transportation support for the 'I-Mom' program.