“I have undergone spine disc surgery three times. The hospital only prescribed medication, but here, I can receive both traditional and western treatments, so it’s great to have the opportunity to have a full body check-up.”
On the 18th, Kim Jeong-seop (87), met at the site where the 'rural house call bus' operates in the vicinity of Gasan-myeon, Pocheon-si, spoke with a bright expression.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has reached the second year of the 'rural house call bus' project, which is aimed at providing services to rural residents who are in medical blind spots. This project, which was first introduced last year, was implemented in 110 villages nationwide, benefiting approximately 91,000 people. This year, starting with Pocheon-si, the target areas will be expanded to allow 150,000 people to receive medical services annually.
Rural areas are recording an aging rate of 25%, which is higher than the national average (17.7%). However, due to low access to healthcare facilities, it is difficult to receive treatment. As of the first quarter of last year, the number of medical institutions in rural areas was only 6,097 (8%), which was significantly inadequate compared to urban areas (more than 74,000).
In response, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs introduced the 'rural house call bus' project for residents who have difficulty moving or visiting hospitals. It is an expansion and reorganization of the existing 'Happy Bus for Farmers', and last year, through 300 operations, it benefited 91,000 people. This year, with a budget of 9.35 billion won, plans are in place for 150,000 people to receive medical services.
The 'rural house call bus' project is conducted in designated towns and villages in rural and agricultural areas. Areas that lack emergency medical services and private medical institutions are also prioritized. The target patients include farmers aged 60 and above residing in the area, single elderly people, people with disabilities, and other medically vulnerable groups.
At the event venue in Sohwa-eup, Pocheon-si that day, services included collaborative treatments between western and traditional medicine, physical therapy, dental and ophthalmological examinations, and oral care tests. Residents were able to receive a range of medical services from blood pressure and blood sugar tests to traditional medical diagnoses.
In particular, customized services for the elderly, such as oral care tests, magnifying glass support, and bone density tests were also provided. One senior citizen expressed satisfaction by saying, “I didn’t expect to receive an ophthalmological examination.” They added, “I often had blurry vision, and after the test, I was told I needed glasses.”
The scale of service support has also been expanded. Support of 60,000 won for western and traditional medical treatment and 30,000 won for dental and ophthalmological health services will be provided per individual. Starting this year, plans are in place to enhance cooperation with existing general hospitals, dental clinics, and traditional medicine hospitals, as well as strengthen links with local health centers.
The government plans to continue expanding the 'rural house call bus' project. A pilot program for 'home visit medical services' for seniors with mobility issues is also in the works.
Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Song Mi-ryeong noted, “Today, the 'rural house call bus' has launched for the first time in Gasan-myeon, Pocheon-si,” and stated, “In addition to the house call bus, we will continue to integrate and expand health, medical, and living services specialized for rural areas.”