Incheon Launches Integrated Care System for Enhanced Community Health
Incheon Metropolitan City is establishing a comprehensive integrated care system, aligning with the newly enacted ‘Act on Integrated Support for Regional Care, including Medical and Nursing,’ which takes effect on February 27, 2026. This initiative aims to connect medical, nursing, welfare, and housing resources to provide more holistic support to residents.
Formation of the Incheon Metropolitan City Integrated Support Council
The city announced on February 22, 2026, the formation of the ‘Incheon Metropolitan City Integrated Support Council.’ This council will serve as the central coordinating body for the new integrated care system. It comprises representatives from various city departments, healthcare experts, welfare specialists, housing authorities, and academic institutions. The council’s primary responsibility is to establish policy directions at the city level and oversee the implementation of integrated care projects across Incheon’s counties and districts.
Key Discussions at the Inaugural Meeting
The council held its first meeting on February 20, 2026, coinciding with the appointment ceremony for its members. Discussions centered on the direction of integrated care for 2026, focusing on defining the roles of metropolitan and local areas, establishing a robust case management linkage system, and developing an Incheon-specific service model. Members shared insights on tailoring services to regional characteristics, strengthening connections for discharged patients, and addressing social isolation.
Strengthening On-Site Implementation and Organizational Structure
Incheon City plans to focus on establishing and disseminating the implementation base for the new law throughout 2026. Efforts will be concentrated on strengthening on-site implementation capabilities by integrating and coordinating medical, welfare, housing, and isolation response fields. This will be managed through the newly established Integrated Care Department within the Loneliness Care Bureau, which was reorganized last month as part of a broader supplementary budget plan.
Phased Implementation and Expansion
The city aims to complete the ‘service connection’ stage for 10 counties and districts by the end of February 2026, paving the way for the full-scale launch of integrated care projects next month. This phased approach will allow for careful monitoring and adjustments to ensure effective implementation.
Commitment to Collaboration and a Robust Safety Net
Yoo Jun-ho, director of the city’s Loneliness Care Department, emphasized the council’s role as a central hub for cooperation in designing local care policies. He stated that the city is committed to building a strong social safety net based on the expertise of public and private sector professionals. Officials have likewise been reviewing healthcare conditions for island residents in preparation for the rollout.
Incheon’s Broader Welfare Initiatives
This integrated care initiative is part of a larger effort by the Incheon Metropolitan Government to enhance civic experience and welfare projects. On February 22, 2026, the city announced a first supplementary budget of 15.167 trillion won, an increase of 217.7 billion won from the main budget, to support initiatives like the ‘Incheon i Pass’ public transportation refund project and low birth rate policies.