During this year's Chuseok holiday (Oct. 3–9), an average of 8,800 clinics and hospitals nationwide will be open each day.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare said on the 1st that information on clinics, hospitals, and pharmacies will be provided on the Emergency Medical Information portal (www.e-gen.or.kr), the Emergency Ddokddok app, and the ministry's call center (129).
A total of 413 emergency medical institutions and 17 regional trauma centers nationwide will provide 24-hour care during the holiday. To treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular patients, 14 regional cardio-cerebrovascular centers and 10 local cardio-cerebrovascular centers will also operate 24 hours. Pediatric patients can receive care at 12 pediatric specialized emergency centers (severe/emergency), three pediatric hospitals (moderate), and 128 Moonlight Children's Hospitals (mild).
If a child suddenly becomes ill, caregivers can consult with medical staff 24 hours a day on the iCareTok site (http://icaretok.nemc.or.kr). After entering symptoms and medical history, guidance on at-home first aid, over-the-counter medicines, and additional steps will be provided via a message board reply or by phone.
Patients with mild conditions such as indigestion or a cold can use the app to find clinics and hospitals that are open. If it is unclear whether the condition is severe or mild, get advice first and then visit the appropriate medical institution. For severe symptoms such as decreased consciousness or severe chest pain, call 119 immediately and go to an emergency medical center.
Minister Jeong Eun-kyung said at the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters meeting on collective action by doctors that "we will maintain an emergency care system to protect public health during the Chuseok holiday." Minister Jeong said, "The six regional situation rooms nationwide will work with 119 emergency crews to find medical institutions that can accept critically ill emergency patients," adding, "If an emergency patient occurs, we will transfer and transport them quickly to minimize emergency room non-admissions."