Seoul Children's Hospital announced that it will begin providing health checkups specifically designed for people with disabilities starting today (Nov 2).

By equipping itself with specialized equipment, personnel, and convenience services tailored to the characteristics of disabilities, the public hospital is directly taking charge of health screenings for people with disabilities.

In accordance with the Ministry of Health and Welfare's designation criteria for health screening centers for people with disabilities under the Act on Guarantee of Health Rights and Medical Access for Persons with Disabilities, the hospital improved its convenience facilities—including parking lots, restrooms, and changing rooms—and replaced elevators in September.

During the reservation and reception stages, a preliminary checklist is used to prepare necessary support for each examinee, such as wheelchair use, mobility assistance, and communication support, ensuring customized services on the day of the checkup.

For individuals with hearing impairments, sign language interpretation services are provided through a partnership with the Seocho-gu Sign Language Interpretation Center.

Communication support is also strengthened for individuals with visual impairments and brain lesions by providing screen-magnifying equipment, communication devices, and checkup results printed in Braille.

The screening items are identical to the National Health Insurance Service's general health and oral checkups, and the costs for specialized services provided to examinees with severe disabilities are covered separately by the National Health Insurance Service's safety and convenience management fees, sparing examinees and their guardians from any additional financial burden.

Examinees who require ongoing health management based on their checkup results will be connected to community resources, such as local public health center health management services, to receive continuous follow-up care.

Nam Min, Director of Seoul Children's Hospital, said, "Health checkups are a fundamental right that everyone should enjoy regardless of disability," adding, "As a public hospital, we will fulfill our responsibility to ensure that people with disabilities can receive checkups comfortably and safely close to home."
 
(Photo provided by Seoul Metropolitan Government, Yonhap News)