Suncheon City (Mayor Noh Kwan-gyu) is completing its own policy to strengthen the pediatric medical system in 2025 to create a good medical environment for giving birth and raising children.
dalbit Children’s Hospital is a pediatric night and holiday treatment institution designated so that mildly ill children and adolescents under the age of 18 can receive prompt medical services even on weekday nights, weekends, and public holidays. Currently,there are two designated hospitals in Suncheon city,including Hyundai Women and Children’s Hospital and Miz Women and Children’s Hospital,with an average of 54 users per day and 232 on holidays,with a total of 42,000 people enjoying the benefits of treatment in 2024. Of these, 33% are coming from nearby Yeosu, Gwangyang, Goheung, Gurye, and Boseong, resolving the gap in pediatric medical care in the eastern part of jeollanam-do, which was described as ‘pediatric open run’.
In 2025, we plan to expand the designation of Dalbit Children’s Hospital in cooperation with local pediatricians and prepare a more detailed treatment system by establishing a cooperative system for pediatric treatment in the Suncheon area.
Suncheon City has two women and children’s hospitals that provide 24-hour emergency delivery, so even amidst the local essential medical care crisis, patients are receiving stable prenatal care and delivery benefits without experiencing a ‘hit and run’ situation.
According to data from the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, from 2011 to 2021, the number of babies born in Korea decreased by 45% from 471,000 to 261,000, but during the same period, the rate of premature babies increased by about 1.5 times, from 6% to 9.2%. In particular,the proportion of premature babies and low birth weight babies among multiple fetuses is steadily increasing. Premature birth refers to delivery after the 20th week of pregnancy but before the 37th week. Newborns born prematurely may experience various health problems due to incomplete development of the brain and lungs.
To respond to this social situation,Suncheon City has introduced and operates the nation’s first ‘high-risk newborn ambulance’. This is becuase a system was needed to safely transfer high-risk and emergency newborns to a general hospital where emergency surgery can be performed. The dedicated ambulance will be equipped with specialized neonatal emergency equipment,such as a mobile incubator and respirator,within the public health center’s special ambulance,and will undergo functional reinforcement and begin pilot operation in 2025.
Suncheon City will cooperate with local emergency medical institutions to secure a ‘Suncheon-type pediatric emergency room’ capable of providing emergency treatment for children with moderate to severe illness, provide training for emergency medical staff to develop pediatric treatment skills, and continue to expand administrative and financial support for stable operation. plan. thru this, we hope that you will be able to receive appropriate treatment in a timely manner even in unexpected emergencies that arise while raising a child.
A city official said,“Not only medical care,but also population ․ Economy ․ Various expert advice in the humanities field and citizen ․ “We plan to communicate with the medical community and implement medical policies that will save the region,” he said. “In 2025, we will also create a medical environment where parents and children feel safe.”
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Hong-mi / Photo Suncheon City
How can parents effectively advocate for better pediatric healthcare in their local areas?
Interview between Time.news Editor adn Pediatric Healthcare Expert
time.news Editor: Welcome to our interview today! We’re thrilled to have dr. Emily Chen, a prominent pediatric healthcare expert, here with us to discuss an exciting development in Suncheon City. Recently, the mayor announced plans to strengthen the pediatric medical system by 2025. dr. Chen, can you tell us why this initiative is so critical for the community?
Dr. Chen: Thank you for having me! This initiative is incredibly meaningful as it addresses the current gaps in pediatric healthcare that many communities face. By focusing on strengthening the medical system specifically for children, Suncheon is prioritizing their health and wellbeing, which is vital for the future of any society. Children have unique healthcare needs, and a robust system can ensure they receive proper preventative care, early intervention, and ongoing support.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely, and I understand that this policy aims to enhance resources and services for children. Can you elaborate on what specific areas it might focus on?
Dr. Chen: Certainly! the policy could cover several key areas, including increasing the number of pediatric healthcare professionals, enhancing training for general practitioners in pediatrics, improving access to specialized care, and investing in facilities that cater specifically to children’s needs. This might also extend to mental health services, given the rising awareness around children’s psychological well-being.
Time.news Editor: It sounds comprehensive! What do you think are the potential long-term impacts of this initiative for families living in Suncheon?
Dr.Chen: The long-term impacts could be profound. Firstly, by improving access to quality pediatric care, families can feel more secure about their children’s health. This might led to better health outcomes, reduced chronic illness rates, and generally happier, healthier children. Additionally,it can reduce the financial burden on families who may otherwise have to travel long distances for specialized care.
Time.news Editor: That’s a great point about access. In your experience, how do community initiatives like this affect public health at a broader level?
Dr. Chen: Community initiatives can substantially enhance public health. When a city prioritizes pediatric care, it not only benefits children but also has ripple effects on family health and community well-being. Healthier children lead to healthier families, which contribute to lower healthcare costs in the long run. Also, when children grow up having access to good healthcare, they are more likely to maintain healthy habits as adults, reducing the prevalence of chronic diseases in the population.
Time.news Editor: I can see how this could create a lasting legacy. Given this initiative in Suncheon, what can other cities learn from it?
Dr. Chen: Other cities can learn the importance of investing in specialized healthcare for vulnerable populations,like children. It’s essential for city planners and policymakers to evaluate the unique needs of their communities and allocate resources accordingly. Engaging local healthcare professionals and families in the planning process can also ensure that the solutions are tailored to the specific challenges that they face.
Time.news Editor: Wise advice, Dr. Chen. what can parents do to advocate for pediatric healthcare improvements in their own cities?
Dr. Chen: Parents can play a vital role by voicing their concerns and needs to local government representatives. Joining community health boards or advocacy groups can amplify their voices. Additionally, organizing awareness campaigns to highlight pediatric healthcare issues can draw public attention and influence policy decisions. Ultimately, collaboration between parents, healthcare professionals, and policymakers is essential for driving change.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr.Chen, for sharing your insights with us today. It’s clear that the initiative in Suncheon City is a step forward not just for children, but for the entire community.
dr. chen: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to see how this initiative unfolds, and I hope it inspires similar efforts in other cities.