Yeosu-si to Build Permanent Screening Clinic at Health Center to Prevent Infectious Diseases

A Total of 350 Million KRW Including National Funds to Be Invested in the Health Center Parking Lot with Completion Targeted for This May

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Yeosu City (Mayor Kwon Oh-bong) announced on the 25th that it plans to build a screening clinic inside a building where COVID-19 testing can be conducted continuously.

According to the city, the permanent screening clinic will be newly constructed on the current health center parking lot site, with a total investment of 350 million KRW, including 175 million KRW in national funds, covering an area of approximately 114㎡. The completion is targeted for May.

Yeosu City has been operating a temporary screening clinic in the form of a mobile container box (drive-through) since February 29 last year as a proactive response to COVID-19.

With the global increase in new infectious diseases such as COVID-19, the need for a permanent screening clinic equipped with negative pressure facilities inside a building, where suspected infectious patients can be tested regardless of season or weather, has grown.

Accordingly, Yeosu City plans to build a permanent screening clinic that separates the flow of suspected infectious patients and general patients to minimize contact, leading efforts to block community transmission. During normal times, the clinic will be used for suspected infectious diseases such as tuberculosis and measles.

The negative pressure zone consists of a specimen collection room, examination room, X-ray room, and changing room, while the positive pressure zone includes a specimen room and medical staff room, as well as a dressing room, waiting room, examination room, changing room, and waste disposal room.

Lee Ju-ri, head of Yeosu Health Center, stated, “The installation of the permanent screening clinic is expected to improve working conditions for medical staff and enhance the safety of citizens,” adding, “We will further strengthen staff capabilities to respond to crisis situations and strive to improve sustainable health quality through the establishment of a comprehensive mid- to long-term plan for managing new infectious diseases.”

Meanwhile, as of the previous day, the Yeosu Health Center drive-through screening clinic has conducted over 37,000 tests, accounting for more than 81% of the tests performed at the five screening clinics in the area.

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