Yoon Seok-yeol Promises Budget for Firefighters' Mental and Physical Health... 'Significant Increase in Mental Health Enhancement Program'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Naju-seok] Yoon Seok-yeol, the presidential candidate of the People Power Party, promised on the 13th to expand the budget for the mental and physical health of firefighters. This is to strengthen support for firefighters exposed to various stresses.

On this day, Candidate Yoon pledged through 'Seok-yeol's Heart-Throbbing Promise' to increase the budget for mental health enhancement programs for firefighters who are constantly exposed to physical and mental injury risks due to the special work environment involving dangerous or emergency situations.

According to a mental health survey conducted last year on firefighters nationwide, 12,310 (22.8%) suffered from sleep disorders, 3,093 (5.7%) from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 2,390 (4.4%) were in need of suicide risk management, and 2,379 (4.4%) experienced depression, indicating significant distress.

In this regard, the Fire Agency's budget for operating mental health enhancement programs this year was set at 3.3 billion KRW, but it remains insufficient. For example, the 'Mind Muscle Center' operated by the Changwon Fire Headquarters for firefighter treatment faces closure if Changwon City fails to secure the budget.

Regarding this, Candidate Yoon stated, "We will carefully oversee the ongoing construction of the National Fire Hospital and the Fire Mental and Physical Training Center to ensure smooth progress, and plan to increase the budget for mental health enhancement programs to 5 billion KRW annually over the next five years, securing a total of 25 billion KRW." With the related budget, medical expenses will be supported, counselors will be hired and trained, and the frequency of mobile counseling services will be expanded to enable firefighters to work in a healthy environment.

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