The pediatrics department at Samsung Hapcheon Hospital, a secondary medical institution in Hapcheon County, South Gyeongsang Province, has resumed operations after approximately 100 days.
According to the county government on Wednesday, the hospital's pediatrics department suspended services from January 1 this year after the contract with its specialist expired at the end of last year. The county explained that it had been working closely with relevant agencies to minimize the medical service gap, and recently hired a new pediatric specialist to resume services from April 13.
During the specialist's absence, children in the area had to rely on internal medicine care or travel to nearby cities such as Jinju for treatment.
With the resumption of services, the county expects improved access to pediatric care in the region, enabling timely treatment for key childhood conditions including vaccinations and growth management for infants and school-age children, as well as respiratory and infectious diseases.
"Pediatric medical services are an essential healthcare sector directly connected to residents' daily lives," said Jeong Jong-seop, head of the health policy division at Hapcheon County Public Health Center. "We will continue to do our best to ensure that residents can access necessary medical services within the region in a timely manner."
