Donghae City Launches Integrated Care Support System... Step-by-Step Briefings and Collaboration Initiatives

Donghae City in Gangwon Province is accelerating the establishment of an institutional framework by applying for the 'Integrated Care Project Social Security Establishment Consultation' in October this year and proceeding with the legislative notice process to revise the ordinance on integrated care support.

A panoramic view of Donghae City Hall. Provided by Donghae City

The Integrated Care Support Project aims to establish a system that comprehensively connects and supports various local resources-such as medical care, caregiving, housing, and welfare-through a single access point for residents who require complex assistance due to frailty, disability, or illness.

The city has held meetings with officials from related organizations, including the National Health Insurance Service, to review inter-agency collaboration systems. From December 1 to December 12, the city is conducting on-site briefings to promote the 'Donghae-Style Integrated Care Initiative.' These briefings are designed to enhance the understanding of staff from each department and center and to clarify their roles, with a focus on sharing the purpose and direction of the integrated care initiative.

Going forward, the city plans to hold project briefings and sign business agreements with hospitals and private organizations, gradually building a collaborative structure that enables organic connection of local medical and care resources.

In parallel with these preparatory steps, Donghae City is forming a dedicated task force team and preparing to establish an integrated care support system. In January next year, 'Integrated Support Desks' will be set up and operated at the administrative welfare centers in all 10 districts, allowing citizens to conveniently receive information and be connected to services.

On December 17, the city will also invite Choi Jae-woo, Associate Research Fellow at the National Health Insurance Service Integrated Care Support Center, to conduct a 'Capacity Building Training for Public-Private Practitioners in the Integrated Care Support Project.' This training is open to not only the city’s welfare and health officials but also employees of social welfare facilities, long-term care institutions, and any citizens interested in the integrated care project. Through this, the city aims to increase local understanding of the project and further strengthen the system for connecting local resources.

A Donghae City official stated, "We will thoroughly prepare a community-based integrated care system so that citizens in need can receive timely support," adding, "We will also do our utmost to strengthen inter-agency cooperation and establish a solid institutional foundation."

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