Ministry of Health and Welfare announces proposed revision to Maternal and Child Health Act enforcement rules

A postnatal care center [Songpa-gu Office]
A postnatal care center [Songpa-gu Office]

Postnatal care centers will be required to notify local governments and inform clients at least 30 days before closing or suspending operations, under a proposed rule change aimed at preventing consumers from losing prepayments and deposits.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced Monday it will open a public comment period on a proposed revision to the enforcement rules of the Maternal and Child Health Act, running from Tuesday through July 20.

The move follows a series of cases in which postnatal care centers encouraged clients to pay in advance before abruptly shutting down, leaving customers unable to recover their deposits. The proposed revision focuses on strengthening advance notice requirements to protect users' rights and prevent such losses.

Under the proposal, operators of postnatal care centers would be required to report to local governments at least 30 days before closing, suspending or resuming operations. They would also be required to notify pregnant women who are currently using or have booked the facility at least 30 days before any closure or suspension, and to take necessary steps — including arranging discharge — for mothers and infants currently in their care.

Public comments may be submitted to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Birth Policy Division or through the Public Participation Legislative Center by July 20. The ministry will finalize the revision after reviewing feedback collected during the comment period.


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