Laying the Foundation for the “Gyeryong-Style Integrated Care System”
Comprehensive Support for Medical, Nursing, and Welfare Services by 2026
Gyeryong City in South Chungcheong Province is launching a comprehensive care support system that encompasses medical, nursing, and welfare services, aiming to proactively respond to the transition to a super-aged society and enhance the quality of life for its citizens.
This initiative is being implemented in accordance with the enforcement of the “Act on Integrated Support for Local Care Including Medical and Nursing Services (Integrated Care Support Act),” which was enacted in March of this year, and aligns with the government’s policy to strengthen community-based care.
The city announced on August 18 that it has formed the “Gyeryong City Integrated Care Implementation Task Force,” with the head of the Family Care Division serving as the interim leader, and held its first meeting on August 14.
According to the city, the task force consists of five departments, nine teams, and five teams from the city’s four towns and neighborhoods. It will be responsible for conducting care needs assessments, developing new services, enacting relevant ordinances, and establishing dedicated organizations, with the goal of laying the foundation for implementation by March 2026.
In September, the city plans to hold briefing sessions for related organizations, including the National Health Insurance Service, the police station, the 119 Safety Center, and welfare centers, to share strategies for collaboration.
Additionally, by the end of the year, the city aims to complete the enactment of ordinances and the needs assessment, establish the citizen-tailored “Gyeryong-Style Integrated Care Plan,” and launch the “Integrated Support Council,” which will include both public and private sector participation.
With the enforcement of the law, Gyeryong residents will be able to receive integrated medical, nursing, and daily living care services at home and within their communities, without having to stay in facilities or hospitals.
The city is also working to enhance the effectiveness of the initiative by hosting expert forums and benchmarking best practices from other local governments.
A city official stated, “As the demand for care services is rapidly increasing due to aging, we will strengthen cooperation between towns, neighborhoods, and private organizations to establish a successful integrated care system.”
Meanwhile, through this project, the city aims to position itself as a leading city in preparing for a super-aged society and to lay the foundation for citizens to continue living healthy and happy lives in their own communities.
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