(C) Nature

SEOUL – In a landmark move to dismantle barriers to healthcare for people with disabilities, the South Korean government has announced the 1st Basic Plan for Disability Health and Medical Management (2026–2030). The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) unveiled the comprehensive strategy on Monday, marking the first time the nation has established a dedicated, multi-year framework specifically for the health of disabled citizens.

The plan, which was deliberated and approved by the 27th Disability Policy Coordination Committee under the Prime Minister's Office, aims to move beyond fragmented support. By 2030, the government intends to realize the vision of "a healthy and happy life for every person with a disability" through four strategic pillars and 12 core tasks.

The Rise of the "All-in-One" Disabled-Friendly Hospital
The centerpiece of the initiative is the introduction of the "Disabled-Friendly Hospital" (working title). Unlike the current system, where specialized services like obstetrics or general checkups are scattered across different facilities, these new hubs will provide an integrated experience.

From registration and examination to treatment and payment, the entire process will be streamlined within a single, barrier-free environment. The government aims to establish at least eight major hubs by 2030, ensuring that patients with moderate to complex disabilities can receive comprehensive care without the physical and communicative hurdles that currently plague the medical system.

To incentivize participation, the Ministry plans to introduce customized health insurance compensation schemes starting in 2028. This recognizes the reality that treating patients with disabilities often requires more time, specialized equipment, and additional medical personnel.

A Continuum of Care: From Hospital to Home
The master plan places a heavy emphasis on "rehabilitation near home." Recognizing that many patients struggle to maintain recovery after being discharged from major city hospitals, the government will:

Expand Regional Rehabilitation Hospitals: Increasing the number of recovery-phase medical institutions to ensure professional physical therapy is available in local neighborhoods.
Strengthen Pediatric Care: Expanding public pediatric rehabilitation hospitals and specialized centers to support children with developmental challenges.
Integrated Support Systems: Transitioning "Community Independent Living Support" from a pilot program to a full-scale national project next year, providing a safety net for those moving from hospitals back to their communities.

Expanding Preventive Care and Infrastructure
Health prevention is also getting a major upgrade. The number of disability-specific health examination centers will be expanded to 112 nationwide by 2030, with improved standards for medical equipment and facilities.

Furthermore, the government is looking at the daily lives of disabled citizens. The "Bandabi Sports Centers"—specialized sports facilities for the disabled—will be increased across the country. For students with severe disabilities, the "School-Based Medical Support" program, where nurses visit schools to provide daily medical care, will be expanded to 16 major cities and provinces this year.

Data-Driven Policy Making
To ensure these policies are effective, the Ministry will refine its data collection. For the first time, national health surveys and infectious disease statistics will include disability identifiers. This will allow the government to track specific health metrics, such as non-covered medical expenses and BMI (Body Mass Index) trends among the disabled population, to prevent chronic illnesses like hypertension and diabetes.

"We will continuously monitor the implementation of this plan and listen to the voices on the ground," said Lee Sran, the First Vice Minister of Health and Welfare. "Our goal is to create a healthcare policy that people with disabilities can truly feel in their daily lives."