Incheon City Operates TF for 'Metropolitan Infectious Disease Specialized Hospital Attraction'... Selection in February Next Year

Medical staff are busy working at the temporary screening clinic set up in Cheongnyangni Station Plaza, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul. 2021.12.8 / Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Hyesook] Incheon City announced on the 19th that it will operate a dedicated task force (TF) to attract a metropolitan infectious disease specialized hospital to the region.

The TF, which will operate temporarily until January 13 next year, will be composed of 10 members including the Director of the City Health and Sports Bureau, the Health and Medical Policy Division, the Infectious Disease Management Support Group, and the Public Health Medical Support Group.

In preparation for the designation of a metropolitan infectious disease specialized hospital, which is being solicited by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, the TF plans to review each evaluation item and business plan and provide administrative and financial support to participating hospitals.

The metropolitan infectious disease specialized hospital will cover the Seoul, Incheon, Gyeonggi, and Gangwon regions, and will receive a project budget of 44.95 billion KRW to establish independent wards for treating patients with severe infectious diseases during infectious disease crises.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency will accept business plans until the 13th of next month, conduct a selection evaluation committee review, and select the final institution around February next year.

Currently, two medical institutions, Incheon St. Mary's Hospital and Sejong Hospital, have expressed their intention to participate in the solicitation.

Meanwhile, since last year, Incheon City has been operating a public-private consultative body composed of the local community, medical institutions, infectious disease experts, and local members of the National Assembly to attract the metropolitan infectious disease specialized hospital.

An official from Incheon City said, "Due to geographical characteristics, more than 90% of infectious diseases imported from overseas enter through Incheon Airport and ports," adding, "We will make sure to establish the metropolitan infectious disease specialized hospital in Incheon."

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