South Korean regions expand integrated community care systems

South Korean local governments are expanding integrated community care systems to better connect medical services with social welfare.

In Daegu, the city is implementing an organizational restructuring effective from the 21st to strengthen its welfare capabilities. This includes the creation of a dedicated integrated care team and an increase in staff. Following a recent recruitment of 151 professionals—including social workers, nurses, and administrative staff—the city aims to reduce the workload of existing employees and improve the identification of individuals in need of care. Between March and August, Daegu received 4,561 applications for integrated care services, with a service connection rate of approximately 66.6%.

In Gwangju, Chonnam National University Hospital's Gwangju Regional Center for Health and Medical Care for the Disabled held a symposium to discuss linking healthcare and caregiving services for people with disabilities. The event focused on building a collaborative structure between medical institutions and welfare agencies to ensure that health management for the disabled continues within the community rather than relying solely on clinical treatment.