Guro-gu was selected as an ‘excellent institution’ for the 2024 private-public cooperation tuberculosis control project. Guro-gu was selected as an excellent organization in the tuberculosis patient management category at the ‘2024 Private-Public Cooperation Tuberculosis Control Project Evaluation Competition’ hosted by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency held at the Seoul Dragon City Convention Tower on the 5th.
Guro-gu’s selection as an excellent institution is an achievement three years after being selected as an excellent institution in 2021.
According to the district, 76.6% of all tuberculosis patient reports in Guro-gu last year were reported to medical institutions, and most tuberculosis patients are being treated at medical institutions. In particular, we boast a high treatment success rate by thoroughly managing patients through cooperation with private medical institutions.
In addition, the district is conducting tuberculosis screening by touring 16 districts to eliminate blind spots in tuberculosis screening. Starting last year, in addition to facilities subject to existing on-site inspections, such as senior centers or senior colleges, the government will also visit and inspect vulnerable residential facilities such as foreigners, gosiwons, jjokbang (houses), and passports.
For tuberculosis patients experiencing financial difficulties, we provide nutritional counseling to improve the eating environment and nutritional deficiencies in connection with welfare services.
An official from Guro-gu said, “It seems that we were highly evaluated for promoting the tuberculosis control project considering regional characteristics and for visiting each house to complete treatment without giving up until the end,” adding, “We will continue to ensure that tuberculosis patients are treated safely through public-private cooperation.” “We will do our best to cure the patient and minimize community spread,” he said.
Meanwhile, Guro-gu launched a special promotion for local artists. The district announced that ‘Art Fair 95’, hosted by the Guro Cultural Foundation and sponsored by Guro District, will be held at Gallery Guruji from November 12th to 30th.
This exhibition is the first art fair (art exhibition) type exhibition for local artists. In particular, the largest local culture and arts festival of all time will be held with the active promotion of the district and the participation of local artists and artists active in Guro-gu.
This exhibition will be held free of artwork sales and rental fees.
Through this, it helps local artists display, promote, and sell their works, and provides special opportunities for residents to purchase and own their works.
The district recruited artists to participate in the exhibition across the visual arts, including painting, crafts, sculpture, installation, and design, for about a month from September 25th to October 23rd, and finally selected 19 artists through a review by external experts. .
As a result, a total of 55 colorful works, including paintings, sculptures, designs, digital illustrations, and crafts, will be displayed and sold in this exhibition.
During the exhibition period, anyone can freely view and purchase works from 10 am to 6 pm, and there are no separate closing days.
A Guro-gu official said, “We expect that Art Fair 95 will be able to inject new vitality into the local art world,” and added, “We hope for a lot of interest and participation in the unique works of local artists.”
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo Guro-gu
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Interview: Time.news Editor in Conversation with Dr. Min-Jae Lee, Tuberculosis Control Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Lee. Guro-gu has been recognized for its outstanding efforts in tuberculosis control, and we’re eager to learn more about this achievement. Can you share the significance of their recent recognition as an ‘excellent institution’?
Dr. Min-Jae Lee (ML): Absolutely! Guro-gu has done remarkable work in the realm of tuberculosis management. Being named an ‘excellent institution’ in the 2024 Private-Public Cooperation Tuberculosis Control Project speaks volumes about their commitment to patient care and community health. It’s not just about treatment; it’s about implementing an effective system that ensures patients receive the resources they need.
TNE: It’s impressive that Guro-gu also managed to achieve this recognition again after being awarded in 2021. What do you think contributed to their consistent success?
ML: Guro-gu’s success can be attributed to a multifaceted approach. One key factor is their high reporting rate; 76.6% of tuberculosis cases were reported to medical institutions last year. This demonstrates trust and efficacy in their healthcare framework. Additionally, their collaboration with private medical institutions has led to a higher treatment success rate.
TNE: You mentioned the collaboration with private medical facilities. How important is this partnership in combating tuberculosis?
ML: It’s crucial. Public-private partnerships can enhance the reach and effectiveness of health programs. Private facilities often have different resources and quicker responses to patient needs. By working closely, Guro-gu has created an integrated system that ensures patients are treated comprehensively, addressing not only medical but also social issues such as financial barriers and nutritional deficiencies.
TNE: Speaking of social issues, Guro-gu has implemented screening initiatives to reach vulnerable groups. Can you elaborate on these efforts?
ML: Yes, Guro-gu is proactive in eliminating gaps in tuberculosis screening. By touring diverse districts and focusing on vulnerable populations, such as residents of gosiwons and jjokbang, they are tackling a critical blind spot. This is commendable because early detection is key to managing and controlling the spread of tuberculosis.
TNE: The district also provides nutritional counseling for tuberculosis patients. How does this fit into the overall treatment strategy?
ML: Nutrition plays a vital role in recovery. Tuberculosis patients often face nutritional deficiencies that can hinder their healing process. By providing nutritional counseling and linking it to welfare services, Guro-gu is addressing the holistic needs of patients, which can significantly improve their treatment outcomes.
TNE: The official from Guro-gu mentioned their commitment to safe treatment through public-private cooperation. How can other regions adopt similar strategies?
ML: Other regions can learn from Guro-gu’s structured approach to community engagement and resource allocation. By assessing local needs, involving various stakeholders—from local governments to private clinics—and enhancing communication channels among healthcare providers, other areas can improve their tuberculosis management frameworks.
TNE: it seems Guro-gu isn’t just focused on health but also on promoting culture, as seen with events like ‘Art Fair 95’. How does fostering cultural initiatives relate to public health?
ML: Cultural initiatives can have a tremendous impact on community well-being. They promote social cohesion and can be a platform for health education. When a community feels valued through cultural events, they are more likely to engage with health programs. It’s a holistic approach that acknowledges the interconnectedness of health and social factors.
TNE: Dr. Lee, thank you for your insights today. It’s encouraging to see how Guro-gu’s comprehensive strategies can serve as a model for tuberculosis control and community health.
ML: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how these initiatives evolve and inspire similar efforts elsewhere.