Yeongdeungpo-gu Supports Traditional Korean Medicine Treatment Costs for Elderly Dementia and Depression Screening

Support for first 100 eligible individuals aged 60+ through dementia and depression screening... Full coverage of treatment costs including Chongmyeong acupuncture and herbal medicine prescriptions at designated Korean medicine clinics

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Chae Hyun-il) is promoting the ‘Elderly Korean Medicine Health Promotion Project’ to support Korean medicine treatment costs in order to prevent dementia and depression early among local elderly residents and to reduce the medical expenses burden of cerebrovascular diseases.

According to statistics from the Central Dementia Center, the number of dementia patients among the elderly population aged 65 and over residing in Yeongdeungpo-gu increased by 1.04%, from a total of 4,092 in 2015 to 5,115 in 2019.

A district official explained, "The number of elderly people with dementia and cognitive decline is continuously increasing due to rapid aging, so we decided to promote a traditional Korean medicine health promotion program preferred by the elderly."

Since August, the district has started screening designated Korean medicine clinics in the area for selection. The evaluation required a minimum of five years of clinical experience, expertise such as being a specialist in Korean neuropsychiatry or holding a PhD in neuropsychiatry, willingness to participate in the project, and clinical experience.

The final designated Korean medicine clinics include a total of 16 locations such as Kyunghee Woori Korean Medicine Clinic, Gwangdong Korean Medicine Clinic, and Daemyeong Korean Medicine Clinic. The list of clinics can be checked on the Yeongdeungpo-gu Public Health Center website.

The eligibility for support applies to 100 elderly residents aged 60 or older in Yeongdeungpo-gu who belong to the high-risk group based on cognitive function assessment tests. Recruitment starts on a first-come, first-served basis from September 14. Elderly applicants can apply by visiting a nearby designated Korean medicine clinic.

Elderly applicants who submit an application will be screened for dementia and depression risk, and after undergoing a blood test, final selection will be made based on the results. The cost of the blood test is self-paid.

The 100 elderly individuals finally selected will receive full free support until December of this year at a nearby Korean medicine clinic, including ▲Chongmyeong acupuncture treatment ▲herbal medicine prescriptions (granules or decoctions) ▲individual counseling programs at the clinic.

For detailed inquiries, contact the Medical Affairs Division of Yeongdeungpo-gu Office.

The district is also striving to minimize care gaps for the elderly in response to COVID-19 by producing videos containing cognitive, art, and exercise activities, providing them in real-time through online platforms, distributing dementia prevention kits, and conducting personalized telephone feedback.

Yeongdeungpo District Mayor Chae Hyun-il said, “I hope this project will greatly help in preventing and managing dementia and depression among the elderly,” and added, “We will spare no effort to provide various supports so that the elderly can live healthier and more vibrant lives.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.