- Reviewing preparedness and exploring tailored medical support measures 

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok), together with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, boarded the Health Ongjin—Incheon hospital ship operating in Ongjin County—on January 26 to review the current status of healthcare services for island residents and preparations for integrated care while listening to on-the-ground feedback.

The visit was arranged ahead of the enforcement of the Integrated Care Support Act on March 27 to examine the conditions for providing integrated medical and care services in island areas with relatively limited healthcare and care infrastructure, and to hear suggestions raised during the hospital ship’s operation. The event was attended by First Vice Minister Lee Seu-ran of the Ministry of Health and Welfare as well as officials from Ongjin County.

The Health Ongjin (Korean name: Geongang Ongjin) is a 270-ton hospital ship accommodating up to 44 personnel, equipped with key medical facilities including internal medicine, dentistry, and traditional Korean medicine clinics as well as radiology, physical therapy, and clinical pathology rooms. Built and deployed in April of last year, the vessel has been providing essential medical services to island residents.

Participants traveled aboard the Health Ongjin to Jawoldo Island, where they observed the operation of onboard medical services and navigational conditions. They also held a meeting with medical staff and local public health center officials to hear about on-site challenges and suggestions including workforce recruitment, working conditions, and navigational safety during severe weather. Afterward, they visited the Jawol Health Subcenter and the Jawol Township Office to review the status of preparations for integrated care services.

The city government plans to continue developing various support measures in line with integrated care, not only through the Health Ongjin medical services but also by providing improved medical services, care, and long-term care for island residents with limited mobility.

“Ahead of the implementation of the integrated care system, we will thoroughly review the preparedness of counties and districts to prevent any gaps in care and ensure that the policy is implemented substantively and effectively,” said Kwon Yoon-sun, Head of the Integrated Care Division of Incheon.