Incheon's new hospital ship, "Geongang Ongjin," will officially begin regular medical services.
On June 27, Incheon City held a launching ceremony for the Geongang Ongjin at the Yeokmuseon Pier in Incheon Port, attended by Incheon Mayor Yoo Jeongbok, Ongjin County Governor Moon Kyungbok, and about 200 residents.
The Geongang Ongjin, with a total project cost of 12.6 billion won including 8 billion won in national funding, is a 270-ton class vessel that is more than twice the size of the previous hospital ship (108 tons). It measures 47.2 meters in length, can carry up to 44 people, and reaches a maximum speed of 46 km/h.
The areas served by the ship's medical tours have expanded from the previous three towns?Deokjeok-myeon, Jawol-myeon, and Yeonpyeong-myeon?to now include Baengnyeong-myeon, Daecheong-myeon, and Bukdo-myeon, covering a total of six towns.
Previously, only internal medicine, Korean medicine, and dental care were available. With the addition of a physical therapy room, a clinical pathology lab, and a health education room, the ship can now provide a wider range of medical services, including vaccinations, bone density tests, X-rays, and blood tests.
The Geongang Ongjin is staffed by seven people, including three public health doctors, and will provide medical services on 44 tours, totaling 132 days per year.
Mayor Yoo said, "I hope the newly launched hospital ship will become a reliable partner in protecting the health of island residents and fishermen," adding, "We will continue to provide ongoing support to medically underserved areas."
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