Gov't strengthens emergency medical system ahead of Seollal holidays

With the holiday just around the corner, the authorities are making sure that the emergency medical system is managed in a stable manner.

Our Park Kun-woo has more.

Efforts to stabilize the emergency medical system are underway.

During a central disaster meeting on Friday, Acting President Choi Sang-mok emphasized that stabilizing the system during the upcoming Seollal holidays was crucial.

"The government and local authorities will focus their efforts on ensuring the smooth implementation of special measures to maintain the emergency medical system, so people can spend the holidays peacefully."

This comes after the emergency medical response period was set for two weeks from January 22nd, to cover the holidays.

Choi said all domestic emergency medical facilities are being monitored around the clock with medical officers dispatched.

He also stressed that every effort will be made to provide specialized care for high-risk pregnant women, nighttime pediatric care, and other special conditions.

Choi also urged that emergency rooms be prioritized for those who are in real need.

"If you have an urgent problem, call 119; if not please visit a local clinic or small to medium-sized hospital emergency room first."

The government said more hospitals will be open during the holidays, up by over 3-hundred-60 percent from last year's Seollal holidays.

The National Fire Agency will also increase its emergency personnel and medical consultations beyond normal levels.

Korean nationals living abroad or traveling can also receive consultations through the agency's internet or social media channels.

The health authorities advised caution regarding respiratory diseases during the holidays even though the flu season peak has passed.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said people should follow infectious disease prevention measures, including maintaining hygiene and ventilation, and especially high-risk groups should get vaccinated as the flu season continues.

Park Kun-woo, Arirang News.