The Ministry of Health and Welfare said on the 30th it will additionally designate eight essential specialized hospitals in pediatrics, cerebrovascular care, and alcohol addiction. The program supports hospitals in maintaining a 24-hour care system in specific fields.
The medical institutions selected this time will receive 24-hour care support payments for on-call staffing expense starting in July. Their care systems and emergency response will be evaluated, and they can receive performance-based support payments.
To strengthen the health care delivery system, the government designated 29 essential specialized medical institutions last July in five areas: burns, digit replantation, childbirth, pediatrics, and cerebrovascular care. After reviewing night and holiday care performance, it added eight hospitals.
In particular, in addition to the existing pediatrics and cerebrovascular care, it newly selected the alcohol category. Because alcohol problems carry a high risk of leading to suicide and violence, constant response is important. A Welfare Ministry official said, "We will be able to respond quickly to patients with alcohol addiction."