Park Jeongsik of Chungnam Provincial Council Proposes Ordinance to Support Hospital Accompaniment Service for Elderly Living Alone

"Substantially Guaranteeing the Right to Health for Elderly People in Care Blind Spots"

Chungnam Provincial Council member Park Jeongsik takes the initiative to institutionalize hospital accompaniment services for elderly people living alone. / Provided by Chungnam Provincial Council

Park Jeongsik, a member of the Chungnam Provincial Council (Asan District 3, People Power Party), announced that he has proposed the “Chungcheongnam-do Hospital Accompaniment Service Support Ordinance for Elderly People Living Alone.”

The ordinance, which passed as originally proposed in the Health, Welfare, and Environment Committee during the 359th regular session, stipulates the provision of a “hospital accompaniment service” for elderly people aged 65 and older living alone in Chungnam. This service supports all aspects of hospital visits and treatment, including transportation, guidance through medical procedures, and assistance with communication.

The main provisions require the governor to establish relevant policies to ensure the smooth implementation and operation of the hospital accompaniment service. It also stipulates that administrative and financial support may be provided within the budget for projects promoted by mayors and county governors.

Additionally, the ordinance allows for support necessary to train and educate “hospital accompaniment managers” in order to enhance the professionalism of the service.

To raise awareness and encourage the use of the service among residents, the ordinance enables promotion through various media channels. It also establishes a basis for building cooperative systems among cities, counties, medical institutions, and other related organizations.

Park stated, “This hospital accompaniment service support ordinance is expected to play an important role in creating a Chungnam and a local community where people live together, by substantially guaranteeing the right to health for elderly people living alone who are in care blind spots.”