Foreign Worker Free Medical Service 'Falling Short'

Gyeonggi Province's free medical service for foreign workers appears to be underutilized.

According to Rep. Hwang Seon-hee of the Gyeonggi Provincial Assembly on the 27th, as of the end of October this year, only 68 foreign workers have received free medical care benefits at five provincial hospitals under Gyeonggi Province's healthcare system, including Suwon, Uijeongbu, Paju, Anseong, and Pocheon hospitals.

By hospital, Pocheon Hospital treated 44, Uijeongbu Hospital 9, Anseong Hospital 8, Paju Hospital 4, and Suwon Hospital 3.

Additionally, the province's 'Medical Support Project for Foreign Workers,' which is carried out with full budget support to the Korea Migrant Workers Health Association, provided medical care benefits to only 101 people this year, following 26 people last year.

The low number of foreign workers receiving medical care is attributed to the lack of medical facilities in areas with high concentrations of foreign workers, such as Ansan (16,800 people), Hwaseong (13,200 people), and Siheung (10,000 people), as well as the reluctance of undocumented foreign workers to seek treatment due to fear of deportation.

Rep. Hwang stated, "Foreign workers frequently suffer from influenza and gastritis due to unfamiliar food and climate, but they are not receiving adequate medical care," and added, "We must comprehensively review comprehensive support measures for foreign workers who work in 3D jobs that domestic workers avoid, so they can remain healthy while working."