Suncheon City (Mayor Noh Gwan-gyu) has teh highest rate of severe emergency patients (5.8%) and transfer rate (15.3%) in the country, and is considered an area vulnerable to emergency medical services. In particular, the hospitalization treatment provision rate for patients with severe cardiovascular disease is 70.8%, which is at the bottom of the nation, and the lack of a specialized treatment system is pointed out as a major problem.
In 2024, the city promoted various health care projects with the goal of resolving medical gaps and strengthening the treatment system for seriously ill patients, achieving notable results by improving the local medical surroundings and laying the foundation for promoting citizens’ health.
Next year, we will materialize a regionally complete medical system in connection with the government’s medical reform implementation plan and promote measures to secure essential medical capabilities. Through this, we plan to focus on resolving medical gaps, ensuring citizen health and safety, and raising the level of medical care in Suncheon City to the next level.
◇ Leading pediatric and emergency medical services in 2024, achieving notable results
In 2024, the city operated Moonlight Children’s Hospital, the first in Jeollanam-do, and achieved great results in resolving the pediatric medical gap. Hyundai Women and children’s Hospital and Miz Women and Children’s Hospital were designated on duty to provide pediatric treatment on weekday nights, weekends, and public holidays. By October 2024, approximately 41,807 pediatric patients were treated, receiving great response from dual-income families.
In order to build a Suncheon-type regional complete medical system, we developed an essential medical model focusing on cardiovascular disease and severe emergency medical care through meetings with hospital officials, medical institution advisory meetings, and public health care master plan research services, and established a network between hospitals in a systematic manner. We are working hard to provide medical services.
In addition, to secure golden time for emergency patients, an smart emergency medical system (AI ambulance) was introduced to provide real-time patient details to hospitals, and cooperation between fire and emergency medical institutions was strengthened.
In addition, emergency response capabilities are being strengthened by checking the status of CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) management and providing first aid training more than 150 times a year.
◇ Full-scale promotion of the establishment of a regional complete medical system, from response to cardiovascular diseases to AI ambulances
In 2025, Suncheon City plans to promote in earnest the ‘Suncheon-type regional complete medical system establishment project’ in line with the government’s ‘First Implementation Plan for medical Reform’ announced last August.
We plan to systematically strengthen the medical system by establishing an essential medical supply system and financial support standards through research on the establishment of an essential medical supply system for the Suncheon Medical Treatment Rights by June 2025.
In particular, the Center for Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases will be built in stages, centered around Saint-Garolo Hospital, to enable treatment of serious diseases such as acute myocardial infarction and cerebral hemorrhage within the golden time,
In addition, the ‘AI Ambulance Pilot area Project’ hosted by the Ministry of Science and ICT will be expanded to 24 ambulances and 13 emergency medical institutions in the Suncheon treatment area by 2025, the emergency medical system will be upgraded, and the cooperation system with Gwangju University Hospital will be established. strengthen.
In addition, we plan to focus on improving the initial response ability for cardiac arrest patients and improving the emergency medical environment by regularly inspecting 464 automated external defibrillators (AEDs) in multi-use facilities.
◇ Promoting the establishment of the Suncheon Essential Medical Support foundation,expected to become a control tower for the local medical system
The city is promoting the ‘Suncheon Essential Medical Support Foundation’ with the goal of establishing it in the second half of 2025. The foundation will serve as a control tower to operate local medical policies and establish a cooperation system between medical institutions. Of the annual project cost of 4 billion won, 3 billion won will be covered by city contributions and 1 billion won will be covered by donations.
The foundation carries out various projects to improve the local medical system,including developing essential medical policies,supporting medical institutions,and establishing medical networks. The city plans to disclose the results of the review by April 2025, collect citizen opinions, and complete the enactment of the ordinance and articles of association by August.
Once the foundation is established,it is expected that local medical accessibility and services will be greatly improved and cooperation between medical institutions will be strengthened. City officials said, “The foundation will be a turning point in the local medical system,” and said they would actively reflect citizens’ opinions.
◇ Creating a safe pediatric medical environment and promoting a Suncheon-type pediatric emergency medical system in earnest.
The city is also promoting the ‘Suncheon-type Pediatric Emergency Medical System Establishment Project’ in earnest to create a medical environment where children and parents can feel at ease. Through this, we plan to improve the pediatric emergency response system and eliminate medical blind spots.
‘moonlight Children’s Hospital’, which provides stable pediatric care even at night and on holidays, will continue to operate for the next 25 years and a 24-hour pediatric emergency room system will be established. We plan to provide prompt and professional services even in emergency situations by establishing a collaborative consultation system and medical staff training program for specialized treatment of moderately ill patients.
The response system for high-risk newborns will also be strengthened. We will strengthen the safe transport system at regional emergency medical centers by introducing a dedicated ambulance for newborns equipped with an incubator and ventilator.
In addition,in connection with the establishment of a university hospital,we plan to expand essential local medical services by installing a pediatric emergency medical center and a pediatric rehabilitation center.
◇ Promoting multifaceted policies such as guaranteeing the right to health in medically underserved areas and creating a safe medical environment
The city is promoting multifaceted health care policies to guarantee the right to health of residents in medically underserved areas and create a safe medical environment.
To improve rural medical services, the quality of services will be improved by renovating the facilities of public health centers and clinics and reinforcing medical equipment.
We will create a safe and trustworthy medical environment for patients by expanding public late-night pharmacies and strengthening autonomous inspections of pharmaceutical establishments. We will also establish a big data monitoring system and promote awareness-raising campaigns to prevent misuse and abuse of narcotics.
the city focuses on guaranteeing residents’ right to health and improving residential conditions by resolving medical gaps and improving the quality of essential and emergency medical services. In particular, a public medical system based on a regionally complete medical system is expected to contribute to responding to the crisis of regional extinction and improving the quality of life of residents.
A city official said, “Improving the medical environment is a key element in improving the quality of life for citizens,” and added, “We will continue to pursue various policies that prioritize the health and safety of citizens.”
Economy Queen Reporter Kim Hong-mi / Photo Suncheon City
How is the integration of AI technology transforming ambulance services in Suncheon City?
TIME.NEWS INTERVIEW: Revamping Emergency Medical Services in Suncheon City
Moderator: Good day and welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the priviledge of speaking with Dr. Lee Joon-seok, a healthcare policy expert, to dive into captivating advancements occurring in Suncheon City, notably regarding their medical services.Dr. Lee, thank you for joining us.
Dr.Lee: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and discuss such an important topic.
Moderator: Suncheon City has made headlines recently with its focus on enhancing emergency medical services. can you explain the current medical challenges faced by the city?
Dr. Lee: Absolutely. Suncheon City has been identified as having the highest rates of severe emergency patients and transfers in South Korea. With 5.8% of patients requiring severe emergency help and only a 70.8% hospitalization rate for severe cardiovascular conditions, the lack of specialized treatment systems has become a critical concern. This situation underscores the pressing need for improvement in emergency responses and healthcare access.
Moderator: It seems the city is taking significant steps towards addressing these issues by establishing a “Suncheon-type regional complete medical system.” What does this system entail?
Dr. Lee: The new system aims to integrate various healthcare services effectively. It’s a collaborative framework that connects hospitals and medical institutions to create a extensive network for patient treatment. The plan includes a specific focus on severe cardiovascular disease and an enhanced emergency response system, using innovative tools like AI ambulances to relay real-time details about patients to medical facilities.
Moderator: Fascinating! The implementation of AI in emergency medical services is quite groundbreaking. Can you elaborate on how the smart emergency medical system works?
Dr. Lee: Certainly! The AI ambulance system is designed to streamline communication between field emergency teams and hospitals. As soon as an ambulance is dispatched, it can transmit vital patient information—such as their condition and location—directly to the hospital. This allows healthcare providers to prepare for incoming patients and optimize initial treatment as soon as they arrive.
Moderator: That sounds revolutionary! Last February, Suncheon City launched multiple health care initiatives. Have there been any notable successes with these projects so far?
Dr. Lee: Yes, indeed! One of the most significant initiatives has been the opening of the Moonlight Children’s Hospital, the first of its kind in Jeollanam-do. By October 2024, the facility had treated over 41,807 pediatric patients, which is a remarkable achievement.It has provided invaluable support, especially for dual-income families who frequently enough struggle to access timely pediatric care.
Moderator: Clearly, these projects are not just theoretical—their implementation is having a direct positive impact on the community. What’s next for Suncheon City in terms of enhancing its medical system?
Dr. Lee: the city plans to further develop its complete medical system by establishing a Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases Center. This facility will be pivotal in providing immediate care for critical conditions within the ‘golden time’—that critical window for effective treatment. Additionally, the introduction of more AI ambulances and improved educational programs for CPR and AED management indicates a promising commitment to enhancing emergency response capabilities.
Moderator: And we can’t overlook the creation of the Suncheon Essential Medical Support Foundation. How does that fit into the future of healthcare in Suncheon?
Dr. Lee: The establishment of this foundation will act as a “control tower” for local medical policies. It is designed to coordinate between hospitals and medical stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of healthcare initiatives. Funded partly by the city and through donations, the foundation will focus on establishing a more robust medical system and ensuring that essential resources are available when needed.
moderator: dr. Lee, your insights have shed light on the innovative approaches Suncheon City is taking to address urgent healthcare needs. Any final thoughts on the city’s future direction in medical reforms?
Dr.Lee: The commitment of Suncheon City to reform and enhance its medical services speaks volumes about the importance of proactive healthcare. With a strong focus on collaboration,innovation,and community health,I believe Suncheon can serve as a model for other regions facing similar challenges. The path forward looks promising!
Moderator: Thank you so much for your contributions, Dr. Lee. It’s refreshing to hear about these developments that pave the way for better healthcare. We look forward to seeing the progress in Suncheon City!
Dr. Lee: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing the important advancements in Suncheon’s healthcare system.