Kim Dongyeon: "Gyeonggi Province Will Lead the Lee Jaemyung Administration's Success in the National Care Responsibility System"

Dongyeon Kim, Governor of Gyeonggi Province, stated, "The Gyeonggi Provincial Government will take the lead to ensure that the Lee Jaemyung administration marks a significant milestone in welfare and care by implementing the National Care Responsibility System and secures a successful position."

On September 2, Gyeonggi Province co-hosted a policy forum titled "How to Realize the National Care Responsibility System" with 11 members of the National Assembly, including Park Jumin, Chair of the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee, at the 2nd Seminar Room of the National Assembly Members' Office Building in Yeouido, Seoul.

Before the forum, Governor Kim introduced Gyeonggi Province's "Care SOS Project," the first of its kind among metropolitan governments. He shared, "In March, I met the first beneficiary at a nursing hospital in Suwon. This person lost their sight after a surgical procedure damaged their optic nerve 48 years ago." He continued, "It was heartbreaking to witness how, when a family member becomes ill, daily life comes to a halt and families are pushed to the brink."

He added, "Caregiving is not anyone's fault, and it can happen to anyone. I have repeatedly thought that caregiving should not be seen as a personal or family issue, but as a public responsibility and a duty of the state."

Gyeonggi Province Governor Dongyeon Kim is attending the "National Care Responsibility System Realization National Assembly Forum" held at the National Assembly on the 2nd and taking a commemorative photo with members of the National Assembly. Provided by Gyeonggi Province

He further explained, "In August last year, Gyeonggi Province selected key tasks for the second half of the year and became the first metropolitan local government to implement the 'Care SOS Project.' We presented four major strategies for national responsibility in caregiving: providing patients with stable recovery, families with daily life free from caregiving worries, caregivers with the best possible jobs, and, at the national level, protecting the health and daily lives of each citizen. Through this, we have presented a new vision."

He went on to say, "During President Kim Daejung's administration, a social insurance system centered on health protection was established. The Roh Moo-hyun administration created the long-term care insurance system for the elderly, reducing the care burden on seniors and their families. I believe that the Lee Jaemyung administration will move forward with a strong commitment to the National Care Responsibility System, and Gyeonggi Province will take the lead and do its utmost to make this happen."

The "Care SOS Project" is a public caregiving support program first implemented by Gyeonggi Province in February this year. It provides up to 1.2 million won per year in caregiving expenses to low-income seniors hospitalized in medical facilities. By August, more than 700 seniors had benefited from the program, reducing their financial burden. The project plays a significant role in decreasing cases where people give up care due to the cost of caregiving and in improving the quality of life for patients and their families.

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