Uljin County Medical Center Secures Four Projects Under Hanul Nuclear Power Plant’s 2026 Business Support Program
Uljin County Medical Center has been selected for four initiatives under the 2026 Hanul Nuclear Power Plant business support program, according to a report by Culture Daily. The projects, which include emergency transport fee support and postpartum recovery programs, aim to enhance public healthcare access and community well-being.
What Are the Four Selected Projects?
The Hanul Nuclear Power Plant, a subsidiary of Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power Co., announced the selection of four projects at Uljin County Medical Center. These include:
- Emergency Transport Fee Support: Covers private ambulance costs for residents requiring urgent care at out-of-town hospitals.
- Nursing Home Attendant Fee Support: Reduces financial burden for families of long-term patients, with support up to 45%.
- Postpartum Recovery Support: Offers free services such as postnatal massage, yoga, and stress-reduction sessions for new mothers.
- Patient Convenience Facility Expansion: Includes smart medical spaces and safety furniture upgrades to improve patient experience.
The three existing programs will begin in January 2026, with the new facility expansion set to launch in 2027, according to the Hanul Nuclear Power Plant official website.
How Has the Postpartum Program Impacted Local Families?
Uljin County Medical Center reported a 20% increase in postpartum patients between 2024 and 2025, with 96 births in 2025 compared to 80 in 2024. The public postpartum care center saw 130 users in 2025, up from 118 in 2024, as noted in the Uljin County Government annual report.
Dr. Jo Young-rae, the medical center’s director, highlighted the program’s role in reducing postpartum depression rates. “The combination of physical recovery activities and mental health support has significantly improved maternal well-being,” he said in a statement.
Why Does This Matter for Regional Healthcare?
The expansion of public healthcare services aligns with South Korea’s national strategy to strengthen rural medical infrastructure. A 2023 Korea Health Industry Development Institute study found that similar programs in Gyeongsangbuk-do reduced emergency care costs by 15% for low-income families.
Local residents have welcomed the initiatives. “The postpartum yoga sessions helped me regain strength after childbirth,” said Kim Ji-hyun, a 32-year-old mother who used the center in 2025.
What Are the Next Steps for the Medical Center?
Uljin County Medical Center plans to allocate 2026 project funds toward upgrading its postpartum care facility and expanding emergency response partnerships. The center also aims to collaborate with regional universities to train healthcare professionals in maternal care, as outlined in a Kyungpook National University press release.
“Our goal is to create a sustainable model for public health support that other counties can replicate,” said Dr. Jo. “This partnership with Hanul Nuclear Power Plant is a crucial step forward.”