- Simultaneous operation of integrated windows at local welfare centers, linking medical, long-term care, and welfare services at once -

On March 27, Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it would begin full-scale operations of the Integrated Care project, in line with the enforcement of the Act on Integrated Support for Community Care Including Medical Care and Nursing Care.

The launch of this project is highly significant, as it marks a transition to a community-centered care system, ensuring that citizens in need of care can receive integrated services in their communities rather than in hospitals or facilities. Moreover, this implementation is the result of long-term, systematic preparation by the city, encompassing the enactment of ordinances, the establishment of organizational structures, workforce allocation, and public-private cooperation frameworks.

On the first day of the initiative, administrative welfare centers across Incheon were bustling with citizens seeking consultations. With applications and consultations handled directly on-site, the integrated care system has begun to function as a tangible, everyday service for residents.

■ Deployment of 275 dedicated personnel & establishment of a functional delivery system

Prior to the launch, Incheon laid its institutional foundation step by step, including the enactment of ordinances, the formation of dedicated organizations, the allocation of workforce, and the development of public-private cooperation systems.

In particular, the city formulated a plan to deploy 275 dedicated personnel based on standard labor costs and will proceed with phased placement. Through these efforts, it has established an integrated care delivery system across all 10 districts and counties, ensuring a fully operational foundation that can function effectively in the field.

Incheon has also built a cooperative network with 10 partner hospitals, including tertiary general hospitals, and has prepared region-specific services that reflect local characteristics, as well as a participation base for service providers, completing preparations to deliver tangible care services to citizens.

The city has also enhanced operational readiness by conducting job training for dedicated personnel and pre-inspections of the delivery system to ensure seamless processes from application to service provision.

■ Simultaneous operation from application to service provision

With the launch of the project, all administrative welfare centers in Incheon are accepting applicants. Patients in need of care can visit their nearest center to receive consultations and apply for necessary services.

This eliminates the hassle of having to submit individual applications for medical, long-term care, and welfare services to different institutions. The comprehensive service is expected to significantly enhance citizen convenience.

■ Full transition to community-centered care through citizen-friendly services 

Incheon intends to fully implement a community-centered care system that enables residents to maintain their daily lives within their communities while receiving necessary services.

The city will continue on-site inspections and training after implementation to ensure stable service quality and to develop a field-oriented welfare system that minimizes gaps in care.

Yoo Jun-ho, Director of Incheon’s Loneliness Care Bureau, stated, “The launch of this project marks a turning point where integrated care begins to function in the daily lives of residents. We will continue to inspect and improve the system so that citizens can lead safe and dignified lives in the places where they live.”