The Hwachun County Health Center is reaching out to elderly residents who have difficulty accessing hospitals by providing health services at local community centers. This year-round health management initiative offers traditional medicine, dental check-ups, blood pressure and blood sugar measurements, and medication guidance all in one location.
According to Hwachun County, the health center conducted its "Visiting Health Management Program for Seniors" at the Yongho-ri community center in Gandong-myeon on November 10. During the event, traditional medicine treatments and acupuncture were provided, along with consultations on dental health and assessments of teeth and gums. Blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol levels were measured, and residents received advice on their regular medications.
Gandong-myeon has the highest proportion of elderly residents in Hwachun County. According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's population statistics, as of the end of October, 7,094 of Hwachun's 23,098 residents, or 30.7%, were aged 65 and older. In Gandong-myeon, this figure rises to 47%, meaning nearly one in two residents is a senior.
The number of public healthcare workers is declining. Data released during the restructuring of health centers in May indicated that the number of public health doctors in Hwachun decreased from 16 in 2024 to 14 last year and 11 this year. The county has implemented an integrated operation model by assigning dedicated health officials and public health doctors to the Gandong Health Center.
Visiting community centers allows residents who struggle to travel to health centers or hospitals to check their health in familiar surroundings. By assessing blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and dental health, residents can identify signs that may require further medical attention.
Park Dong-soo, president of the Yongho-ri Senior Citizens Association, stated, "It has been a great help for the health professionals to come directly to the community center and carefully check on the seniors' health. I hope this program continues consistently."
Hwachun County Mayor Kim Se-hoon visited the Yongho-ri community center on the same day to observe the health services and encourage participating seniors. In September, he announced plans to expand escort services to assist seniors with mobility issues in getting to and from hospitals. The county also introduced a comprehensive care initiative to connect visiting medical services, nursing, and daily living support for residents.
Mayor Kim emphasized, "We will expand healthcare support policies that seniors can feel in their daily lives."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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