Park Hong-keun: "We Will Spare No Support for the Successful Settlement of the Integrated Care System"

Minister of Planning and Budget Park Hong-keun stated today (June 17) that he "will spare no support to ensure the successful settlement of the integrated care system, which took its first step nationwide this year."

Following a visit to the Smart Healthcare Center in Seongdong-gu, Seoul, and an "Integrated Care Field Meeting" with officials from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, local governments, related organizations, and field experts, Minister Park said, "We will establish key support directions for 2027 and meticulously explore ways to improve the overall operation of the system in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the competent ministry."

This meeting was held to check whether the integrated care system, which began in March of this year, is being implemented without setbacks in local communities and to listen to difficulties encountered in the field during the process of linking services such as "medical care, health management, nursing, and caregiving."

At the center, Minister Park received a briefing on the status of health management, medical care, and caregiving activities based on science, technology, and smart equipment, which are primarily used by elderly and disabled individuals utilizing integrated care. He also spoke with center users about their satisfaction with the integrated care services and what support they may need in the future.

Minister Park emphasized, "Integrated care is about supporting citizens in need of care so they can continue their daily lives in the places where they have always lived," adding that it is time to consider various ways to provide customized welfare services that can offer immediate help when needed.

The subsequent meeting was attended by representatives from local governments—the front line of integrated care—as well as the National Health Insurance Service, nursing caregivers, and disability support workers.

Participants suggested that to establish a stable supply system for integrated care services, long-term policy design that considers the realistic conditions of local communities and continuous financial support from the central government are necessary.

In particular, they suggested that support systems should be prepared to alleviate gaps in medical infrastructure and care facilities that occur by region, such as in rural or vulnerable areas.

Furthermore, they discussed budget support for dedicated personnel and infrastructure, strengthening the role of the social solidarity economy as a provider of care services, and expanding the participation of care workers.

(Photo: Provided by the Ministry of Planning and Budget, Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.