Ulsan is significantly expanding its mobile rural medical bus program to address healthcare gaps in underserved farming communities. The photo shows the rural medical bus service held last year at Dubuk Nonghyup in Ulju-gun. [Provided by Ulju-gun]
Ulsan is significantly expanding its mobile rural medical bus program to address healthcare gaps in underserved farming communities. The photo shows the rural medical bus service held last year at Dubuk Nonghyup in Ulju-gun. [Provided by Ulju-gun]

Ulsan is significantly expanding its mobile rural medical bus program this year to bring healthcare services directly to farming communities with limited access to clinics and hospitals.

The program dispatches teams of medical professionals to rural areas lacking hospitals, clinics and pharmacies, providing on-site consultations, health screenings and medical education.

Last year, the city ran the program on a budget of 36 million won ($25,400), serving 400 residents aged 60 and older — including farmers — in the Dudong and Duseo areas. The inaugural run, held at Dubuk Nonghyup on July 29 last year, also drew praise for offering guidance on preventing heat-related illness and safety tips during heat waves.

This year, the city has more than doubled the budget to 96 million won, extending the program to the Ungchon, Samnam-Samdong, Sangbuk and Eonyang areas of Ulju-gun, with a target of 800 residents and elderly participants. Ungchon Nonghyup, Samnam Nonghyup, Sangbuk Nonghyup and Eonyang Nonghyup will serve as local operating partners, handling participant recruitment and supporting the delivery of medical services.

The first bus launched Friday at 9 a.m. at the gymnasium of Ungchon Elementary School, where Ungchon Nonghyup had pre-registered 200 residents. Subsequent runs will be held in each area in turn.

Medical staff from the Korean Central Medical Volunteer Association — including doctors, traditional Korean medicine practitioners, pharmacists, nurses and physical therapists — will participate alongside the Ulju-gun Public Health Center. Services cover Western medicine, traditional Korean medicine and dentistry, as well as health consultations, physical therapy, oral examinations, vision tests, dementia prevention education and medication provision.

"This program is focused on improving the health and quality of life of local residents, including farmers, by addressing gaps in medical access," a city official said. "We will continue to roll out support programs for the health and welfare of the farming community."


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