Andong Public Health Center Launches 24-Hour Medical Response System
Medical and Psychological Support Provided at Shelters
Swift Recovery Assistance for Displaced Residents
Andong City in North Gyeongsang Province has launched a 24-hour medical response system to fully support the health recovery of residents affected by the recent wildfire.
Andong City, Gyeongbuk is making every effort to provide medical support for the health recovery of residents affected by the forest fire.
In particular, the city is operating mobile medical support teams centered around evacuation shelters and providing psychological support to help displaced residents quickly return to their daily lives.
The Andong Public Health Center immediately dispatched medical personnel after the wildfire to check the health status of affected residents. For emergency response, 373 ambulances were mobilized to swiftly transport 1,336 people from 19 institutions, and all transported residents safely returned by the 2nd.
To further enhance medical services at shelters, starting with Andong Gymnasium on March 23, a total of 366 medical staff have been deployed to 12 shelters, providing medical care to 3,200 affected residents. Emergency medicine has been provided to those with minor ailments, while urgent cases have been immediately transferred to medical institutions, maintaining a systematic medical support system.
Especially for customized health management of those with chronic diseases, 13 mobile medical support teams consisting of 17 members are conducting blood pressure and blood sugar checks, as well as health consultations.
In addition, seven health centers and clinics in major affected areas (Iljik-myeon, Gilan-myeon, Namsun-myeon, Imha-myeon Health Center, Gukgok, Myeongjin, and Wonrim Health Clinic) are operating until 10 p.m. to prepare for emergencies and continuously monitor residents' health.
Andong City is also cooperating with 10 medical volunteer organizations to conduct sequential health checkups, and is providing intensive treatment for residents suffering from respiratory diseases and psychological stress.
Furthermore, three special quarantine teams have been organized to prevent infectious diseases, carrying out both indoor and outdoor disinfection in wildfire-affected areas and evacuation facilities, while supplying masks, hand sanitizers, and other quarantine supplies to establish a thorough disease prevention system.
Additionally, psychological counseling for disaster relief is being provided at 45 senior centers to help stabilize the mental health of wildfire victims, and those experiencing psychological difficulties are being referred to specialized institutions for treatment.
Kwon Gichang, Mayor of Andong, stated, "We will spare no effort in providing all necessary support, including medical assistance, so that residents affected by the wildfire can return to their daily lives as soon as possible," adding, "As citizens are suffering from this unprecedented wildfire damage, we will do our utmost for swift recovery."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
