Yeosu City to Expand Integrated Medical and Nursing Care Services

Expanding Coverage from Seniors to People with Disabilities

Yeosu City in South Jeolla Province announced that it will expand its integrated medical and nursing care project by 2026, enabling citizens who require complex medical, nursing, and care services to continue living healthy and safe lives in their own residences.

The city was the only local government in South Jeolla Province to be selected through a Ministry of Health and Welfare public contest as a budget-supported site (one of 12 nationwide) for the "Senior Medical and Care Integrated Support Pilot Project." From July 2023 until last year, Yeosu implemented 21 projects across five sectors. As a result, the city exceeded its target of 1,366 participants by providing integrated support services, such as daily living care and home-visit medical assistance, to a total of 1,554 people.

Yeosu City will expand its integrated medical, nursing, and care service project in 2026 to enable citizens who require complex medical, nursing, and care services to continue living healthy and safe lives in their residences. Provided by Suncheon City

With the enforcement of the "Act on Integrated Support for Local Medical, Nursing, and Care Services" scheduled for March, the nationwide expansion of integrated care projects will begin in earnest. Building on the operational experience and achievements gained through the pilot project, Yeosu City plans to broaden the scope of both eligible recipients and services, further strengthening the community-based care system.

In particular, this year, Yeosu will newly launch the "Neighborhood Oral Health Doctor Project," which will provide preventive medical support by visiting senior centers in island regions with limited access to healthcare. The project will offer oral health education and supply oral care products to elderly residents.

Citizens in need of complex support, such as medical, nursing, and care services, can apply for the integrated care project through their local community centers or the National Health Insurance Service. After a preliminary survey and integrated assessment, tailored services and continuous monitoring will be provided to each recipient through the Integrated Support Committee.

A city official stated, "By expanding the integrated care project in 2026, we aim to support early reintegration of discharged patients into the community and to strengthen community-based care infrastructure, thereby improving the quality of life for those receiving integrated care."