AI Medical Systems to Be Introduced at 17 Regional Responsible Medical Institutions Nationwide

Ministry of Health and Welfare Allocates 14.2 Billion Won
to Strengthen Regional, Essential, and Public Healthcare

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on January 22 that it will promote a project to support the introduction of artificial intelligence (AI) medical systems at regional essential and public healthcare institutions, specifically at the 17 regional responsible medical institutions across the country.

Regional responsible medical institutions are hospitals that provide high-level essential medical care and plan and coordinate cooperation systems among medical institutions within their respective regions. Currently, one regional responsible medical institution has been designated in each of the 17 cities and provinces nationwide, overseeing the essential medical cooperation system.

This project aims to support the adoption of commercialized AI medical systems at regional responsible medical institutions, such as national university hospitals, to enhance diagnostic precision and patient safety. This year, 14.2 billion won in government funding will be allocated to the project.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare plans to encourage regional responsible medical institutions to adapt to AI-based medical environments and strengthen their capabilities in utilizing these technologies. In the mid- to long-term, the ministry also plans to expand investment in building a medical AI ecosystem.

The project will support three main areas: AI systems for monitoring, such as detecting abnormal signs in inpatients; diagnostic assistance, including advanced image interpretation; and administrative task automation to reduce the workload of medical staff. In addition, the project will support real-time interpretation services, AI consultation, and alert services to improve patient convenience within regional responsible medical institutions.

The ministry will begin accepting applications from the 17 regional responsible medical institutions starting today to assess the demand for AI systems at each institution. Subsequently, a committee of external experts will evaluate the necessity and feasibility of each proposal, determine the final level of support for each institution, and provide funding for AI medical system usage fees and related expenses.

Lee Jungkyu, Director of Public Health Policy at the Ministry of Health and Welfare, stated, "AI technology will greatly contribute to strengthening regional, essential, and public healthcare led by national university hospitals and other regional responsible medical institutions. We expect this support project to serve as a catalyst for full-scale AI-driven innovation in public healthcare."