South Korea expands healthcare to remote island communities
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In South Korea, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is improving healthcare access for residents of over 200 islands without medical staff through a program called ‘Non-face-to-face Island Doctor.’
For decades, people living on these islands faced challenges reaching mainland hospitals, often requiring a two-hour boat trip each way, with journeys cancelled during bad weather.
The ‘Non-face-to-face Island Doctor’ project, which began as a trial in 2024 and is now fully funded by the government, provides remote medical consultations to island residents. The program identified that some patients were taking incorrect dosages of medication or were unaware of existing health issues because of limited access to care. Medical professionals now monitor patients remotely, adjusting prescriptions and providing ongoing check-ups. Beyond healthcare, the Ministry is also strengthening broader welfare support for fishers and island communities.
The Ministry is also reinforcing social welfare programs for fishers, including a ‘visiting welfare’ service that delivers essential services like grocery shopping, beauty treatments, and bathing to islands via specially equipped buses. They operate four types of insurance policies to protect fishers from accidents, natural disasters, and property damage, and provide financial support for those unable to work due to illness, pregnancy, or other circumstances.
The Ministry is also exploring ways to support fishers with rising costs for essential supplies and energy, and is researching the possibility of establishing a pension system for retired fishers.
