The North Gyeongsang Provincial Government building. [North Gyeongsang Province]
The North Gyeongsang Provincial Government building. [North Gyeongsang Province]

North Gyeongsang Province announced Friday it will operate an emergency medical response system during the Chuseok holiday, designating Sept. 24 through Sept. 27 as a "special response period" to prevent gaps in emergency care.

Under the plan, 36 emergency medical institutions across the province will provide round-the-clock care for emergency patients. To reduce gaps in outpatient services and prevent overcrowding in emergency rooms, 610 hospitals, clinics and pharmacies have been designated to remain open throughout the holiday.

The provincial government and public health centers in all 22 cities and counties will operate emergency medical situation rooms, running daily regional reporting and monitoring systems to respond swiftly to any incidents and maintain 24-hour surveillance against potential disasters.

Rapid response teams at public health centers and emergency response systems at disaster hub hospitals will also remain on standby.

For pediatric care, four 24-hour children's emergency rooms — one in each of the province's four geographic zones — and six nighttime and holiday pediatric clinics will be in operation.

Critically ill pediatric patients will be able to receive prompt treatment at Kyungpook National University Children's Hospital, which serves as the Daegu-North Gyeongsang pediatric emergency medical center.

A total of 249 personnel organized into 24 infectious disease emergency response teams will maintain round-the-clock surveillance and response. Should a suspected case arise, rapid epidemiological investigations and containment measures will be launched to prevent community spread.

"We will do our utmost to ensure that residents and those returning home for the holidays can enjoy a safe and healthy Chuseok without worry," said Kim Ho-seop, director of the province's welfare and health bureau.


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