Gochang-gun Expands Free Health Checkup Services for Prospective and Newlywed Couples

Published 12 Jan.2024 09:43(KST)

Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk Province, is expanding free health checkup services for prospective couples planning their first pregnancy and newlyweds.

According to the county on the 12th, this free health checkup service was established to support essential basic examinations before pregnancy, actively promoting a healthy pregnancy environment and childbirth that fits current realities.

Gochang-gun Government Office. [Photo by Gochang-gun]

In particular, this year, the target has been expanded to prospective couples within three months of marriage and newlyweds within three years of marriage, and common-law couples who meet the requirements can also receive health checkups.

Until last year, prenatal health checkups at the public health center were only supported for expectant mothers registered as residents with an address in Gochang.

The health checkups are conducted at the Gochang-gun Public Health Center (Maternal and Child Health Office) and include a total of 28 tests such as blood type, general hematology (9 types besides anemia), liver function, kidney function, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, hepatitis B and C antibody tests, syphilis, AIDS, and general urine tests.

Starting this year, support has been expanded regardless of income criteria for infertility treatment costs, premature infant medical expenses, congenital anomaly medical expenses, and high-risk pregnant women.

Earlier, Gochang-gun secured its own budget and has been expanding postpartum care expenses support (from 500,000 KRW to 2,000,000 KRW) since last year, the largest in Jeonbuk.

Additionally, full coverage of delivery medical fees is provided when using local obstetrics and gynecology facilities (Gochang Hospital), along with support for pregnancy and childbirth congratulatory goods (500,000 KRW), postpartum health management expenses (200,000 KRW), and postpartum care assistants for mothers and newborns (government-supported, 90% personal payment).

Furthermore, with the revision of the ordinance on childbirth promotion, childbirth incentives have been expanded for births after October 13, 2023: 3,000,000 KRW for the first child, 5,000,000 KRW for the second, 7,500,000 KRW for the third, 10,000,000 KRW for the fourth, and 20,000,000 KRW for the fifth child.