Incheon's Jemulpo-gu District (Mayor Kim Chan-jin) announced on the 21st that it will expand its cash subsidy for postpartum care costs to the inland area of the former Jung-gu, aiming to ease the financial burden on families with newborns. The measure integrates a support program that had previously applied only to the former Dong-gu area, extending it across the entire district.
 [The Korean Today] 1 million won postpartum care cost subsidy program © Reporter Kim Mi-hee |
The expansion is intended to close gaps in postpartum care benefits that had varied by area. Under the program, mothers first pay for costs such as postpartum care center fees, postnatal recovery treatments and exercise classes, then apply at the public health center, which reviews the applications and reimburses the costs in cash.
Eligibility is limited to mothers who have been continuously registered as residents of Jemulpo-gu District from six months before the date of birth through the date of application, and who have completed the newborn's birth registration within the district. Residency history in either the inland area of the former Jung-gu or the former Dong-gu will be retroactively recognized toward the residency requirement.
Mothers who have not met the six-month residency requirement may apply once the six months have elapsed, and applications must be submitted within 12 months of the date of birth. Each mother is eligible to receive up to 1 million won in subsidies.
Jemulpo-gu District's public health center expects the expanded support to significantly ease the financial burden on mothers in the district. Applications can be submitted in person at the Maternal and Child Health Office of the Jemulpo-gu District public health center, and further inquiries can be directed to the office at 032-770-7617.
Mayor Kim Chan-jin said, "This expansion of support marks an important turning point in providing tangible help to families with newborns in Jemulpo-gu District," adding, "We will continue to pursue childbirth and health welfare policies that residents can genuinely feel the benefits of."
The measure is expected to largely resolve the disparity in postpartum care support that had existed between the former Jung-gu and Dong-gu areas, laying the groundwork for families with newborns across all of Jemulpo-gu District to receive the same level of welfare services, observers say.
[ Reporter Kim Mi-hee: incheonsouth@thekoreantoday.com ]
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