Gyeonggi Province Governor Choo Mi-ae asked for understanding on the 13th regarding the province's decision to terminate its postnatal care subsidy support program, calling it an "inevitable choice."

Governor Choo stated her position on her Facebook page that day, saying, "This year's budget was initially allocated for only nine months, and with no funds left to cover the three-month gap, we could not halt children's meals or support for persons with disabilities and vulnerable groups. The executive branch repeatedly discussed this matter."

She added, "I accepted the executive branch's proposal that for programs like postnatal care subsidies which still receive national funding, prioritizing the subsidization of fertility treatments for infertile couples—which, according to the original budget, would also end in September—took precedence over adding provincial funds."

She further emphasized, "Gyeonggi Province's fiscal situation is currently a matter of grave concern, and as governor, I am making efforts in various directions with a heavy responsibility to normalize the finances," adding, "I will definitely put Gyeonggi Province's finances back on a normal track."

Previously, Gyeonggi Province decided to wrap up the postnatal care subsidy program—limiting applications to those filed this month—as similar support systems, such as the government's "First Meeting Voucher" and city and county childbirth support funds, have become established and expanded.

Gyeonggi Province has provided 500,000 won in local currency per newborn to childbirth-deserving households residing in the province to alleviate the economic burden on households with newborns and protect the health of mothers and newborns.

(Photo: Yonhap News)