Full-scale efforts to minimize gaps in medical services
through on-site inspections of public health branch clinics
and strengthened telemedicine preparedness
Hapcheon County in South Gyeongsang Province has begun inspecting its emergency medical care system to minimize any gaps in medical services following the end of public health doctors' service terms.
On the 25th, Jang Jaehyeok, Deputy Governor of Hapcheon County, visited the Daebyeong-myeon Public Health Branch Clinic and the Gahoe-myeon Public Health Branch Clinic to check how the emergency medical system is being operated and to encourage the staff on site. This on-site inspection was arranged to proactively respond to possible gaps in medical services ahead of the large-scale completion of public health doctors' service terms.
Currently, 26 public health doctors are working in Hapcheon County, and among them, 17 doctors, or about 65%, are scheduled to complete their service in April. In particular, if those whose terms are ending intensively use their remaining leave, there is a possibility that substantial gaps in medical services could occur from mid-February, so the county has activated its emergency medical care system and begun taking countermeasures.
Hapcheon County, Deputy County Governor Jang Jaehyeok On-site Inspection of Emergency Medical Care System - Photo
On that day, Deputy Governor Jang checked the current staffing status of public health doctors at each public health branch clinic and the readiness of the telemedicine consultation system, and he closely reviewed response measures aimed at minimizing inconvenience to residents. He also listened to the difficulties reported from the field and carefully examined overall emergency medical operations.
In addition, amid concerns over possible gaps in medical services, he met in person with staff members at public health branch clinics and treatment centers who are staying on site to protect residents' health, expressed his appreciation for their hard work, and asked them to do their best to maintain a stable medical care system.
Deputy Governor Jang Jaehyeok said, "We will concentrate our administrative capabilities to ensure that residents' right to health is not undermined under any circumstances," adding, "We ask residents to check in advance whether medical services are available before visiting public health branch clinics."
Hapcheon County plans to continue inspecting its emergency medical care system and to strengthen its response measures to minimize inconvenience to residents, so that stable medical services can be provided even amid the shortage of public health doctors.
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