Ministry of Health and Welfare Advises Using Nearby Medical Institutions for Mild Symptoms
24-Hour Pediatric and Emergency Specialist Consultations Available on 'Aianshimtok'
During the upcoming Chuseok holiday period from October 3 to 9, an average of about 8,800 hospitals and clinics and approximately 6,900 pharmacies nationwide will remain open each day. Health authorities have urged the public to visit nearby medical institutions and pharmacies for mild symptoms.
According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare on October 1, if you become ill during the holiday, it is best to first visit a local hospital, clinic, or a small emergency room that is open. Currently, there are 232 regional emergency medical institutions and 113 emergency medical facilities operating nationwide. For mild symptoms, patients can receive treatment at the visited medical institution based on the doctor's assessment. If a serious illness is suspected based on the hospital examination, rapid transfer to a larger hospital is possible.
Medical institutions open during the holiday can be checked using the 'Emergency Smart' smartphone application. Based on the symptom information entered directly by the user, the app classifies the severity of symptoms: severe cases are guided to visit the emergency room, while mild cases are directed to nearby hospitals or clinics or provided with self-care emergency information. The app also provides information about medical facilities, such as hospitals, clinics, Dalbit Children's Hospitals, and emergency rooms, including their specialties and whether they are open, based on the user's location.
For sudden symptoms in children under the age of 12, the pediatric consultation center 'Aianshimtok' is available, where pediatric and emergency specialists provide 24-hour consultations. When accessing Aianshimtok, symptom classification is first conducted based on the Emergency Smart app. If medical care is needed, users are guided to call 119 or visit a medical institution, while cases suitable for consultation can be submitted via a one-on-one message board. Medical staff provide guidance on home emergency care, the use of household medicines, and additional actions depending on symptom changes, based on the child's current symptoms and medical history. Responses are given via the message board or by phone, and guardians are notified immediately by text message when a reply is posted.
However, in cases of severe symptoms commonly associated with critical illnesses-such as difficulty breathing, sudden numbness in the limbs, or tongue paralysis making it hard to speak-it is advisable to call 119 immediately. Through the 119 consultation, you can discuss your symptoms, and based on the assessment of the 119 emergency team, you can be transported directly to the appropriate hospital. If you find it difficult to judge the severity of your symptoms on your own, you can still call 119 for medical consultation.
The government plans to designate and operate about 8,000 hospitals and clinics that will remain open during the holiday period so that people can access medical care. You can use the Emergency Medical Portal, the Emergency Smart app, call the Ministry of Health and Welfare call center (129), or the city/province call center (120) to find open hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies nearby. This information will also be easily accessible through city, county, and district websites. However, it is recommended to call the hospital or clinic in advance to confirm whether they are open before visiting.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare and local governments plan to operate emergency medical situation rooms to ensure there are no gaps in the emergency medical system during the Chuseok holiday, and will also monitor the operation status of open hospitals, clinics, and pharmacies.
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