During Chuseok, 260 Clinics Nationwide Offer Telemedicine

As Chuseok, a major national holiday, approaches, non-face-to-face medical treatment is stepping up as a reliable support system in preparation for any potential health issues. The Korea Startup Forum's Telemedicine Industry Association (WonSanHyup) announced that it will provide non-face-to-face medical treatment services at over 260 clinic-level medical institutions nationwide during the holiday period. In particular, the doors to various departments such as internal medicine (approx. 170 institutions), family medicine (approx. 130 institutions), dermatology, ENT, obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics are open, allowing patients to receive treatment with peace of mind. Institutions across the nation are participating, including Seoul/Gyeonggi (approx. 210 institutions), as well as Busan/Ulsan, Daejeon/Sejong, and Daegu/Gyeongbuk. A key strength is the convenience of being able to choose the desired medical institution regardless of one's actual place of residence. Utilizing non-face-to-face medical treatment is very simple. After downloading a WonSanHyup member company app such as Goodoc, Namandoc, or Doctornow, and completing identity verification, users can have a 1:1 consultation with medical staff via phone or video and even receive a prescription. Prescriptions can be sent to pharmacies open during the holiday period for direct pickup. Especially for vulnerable groups such as those aged 65 or older recognized for long-term care grades, or persons with disabilities, medication delivery services will also be provided according to the current system, which is expected to be of great help. Lee Seul, co-chairman of WonSanHyup, emphasized that this initiative will reduce the phenomenon of minor patients flocking to emergency rooms during holidays and contribute to the efficient allocation of medical resources and the stabilization of public healthcare through non-face-to-face treatment. Co-chairman Seon Jaewon also added that legalizing non-face-to-face treatment, including allowing medication delivery, will further enhance public access to medical services. WonSanHyup plans to operate a 24-hour monitoring system during the holiday period to ensure stable service provision.