Incheon Metropolitan City is accelerating efforts to address gaps in pediatric healthcare coverage. The city has designated two additional "Dalbit Children's Hospitals" in Namdong-gu and Bupyeong-gu, expanding the number of facilities offering outpatient care for children during nighttime and holidays to nine.
According to Incheon city officials on Wednesday, the newly designated facilities are Aisarang 365 Pediatrics Clinic in Namdong-gu and Daneun 365 Clinic in Bupyeong-gu. Both districts had previously lacked Dalbit Children's Hospitals, making it difficult for residents to access pediatric care during evenings and holidays. As densely populated areas that faced gaps in medical services, the new designations are expected to significantly reduce inconvenience for residents.
Dalbit Children's Hospitals are pediatric medical institutions that provide outpatient care during weekday evenings from 6 p.m. to midnight and on weekends and public holidays. By enabling patients with minor pediatric conditions to receive treatment at nearby clinics instead of major hospital emergency rooms, the program helps alleviate ER overcrowding and reduce medical expenses for families.
Currently, Dalbit Children's Hospitals operate in six districts across Incheon. These include Yeongjong EM 365 Clinic in Jung-gu, Yonsei Pediatrics Clinic in Michuhol-gu, VIC 365 Pediatrics Clinic and Songdo Uri Children's Hospital in Yeonsu-gu, and Geomdan Joeun Children's 365 Hospital, Cheongna Yonsei Children's Hospital, and Geomdan We Kids Hospital in Seo-gu. Seo-gu has the most with three locations, followed by Yeonsu-gu with two.
The additional designations were made through a public call for applications by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The city selected the hospitals after comprehensive review of pediatric patient demand, regional accessibility, and operational capabilities of medical institutions.
"The designation of Dalbit Children's Hospitals in Namdong-gu and Bupyeong-gu is an important measure to strengthen the safety net for citizens' daily lives," said Shin Byeong-cheol, Director of Health and Welfare at Incheon Metropolitan City. "We will continue to do our best to create an environment where children can receive medical care with peace of mind anytime and anywhere."
