Regulators launch pilot program for critical patient care

[Photo by Lee Seung-hwan]

South Korean health authorities are set to begin a pilot nursing care program that will offer financial assistance to 1,200 patients in need of nursing care.

The move is expected to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for nursing care for critically ill patients.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Health and Welfare on Monday, the pilot project aims to spend 8.5 billion won ($.6.3 million) to cover patient care expenses and hospital operational costs across 20 nursing hospitals in the country. Eligible patients could each receive as much as 770,000 won, depending on their medical conditions and the application process will begin on April 3rd, 2024.

With this assistance, patients can spend up to 50 percent less on their medical care. Hospitals in the program will also get financial incentives to cover labor and operational costs for 17 to 25 of their employed caregivers per institution.