Council Member Jang Gyu-cheol of Michuhol District, "There Should Be No One Who Misses Out on Transportation Support for Pregnant Women Due to Lack of Information"

Jang Gyu-cheol, a council member of Michuhol District (People Power Party, Yonghyeon 5, Hakik 1, Gwangkyo, Munhak), urged the establishment of an effective promotional system so that the low birth rate measures currently being implemented by the district do not become obsolete due to a lack of information.

During the report on the welfare and construction committee's work at the 293rd extraordinary session of the Michuhol District Council held on the 28th, Council Member Jang focused on questioning the application process and promotional methods for the 'Transportation Support Project for Pregnant Women'. This project requires pregnant women to apply directly by providing proof of childbirth documents issued by obstetrics and gynaecology departments.

Council Member Jang pointed out, "Although this project is a practical help for pregnant women when they travel for hospital visits, the absence of an automated system means that the beneficiaries must be aware of and apply for it themselves, which is cumbersome. There is a significant risk of an 'information gap' where only those who know about the information can benefit."

In particular, Council Member Jang expressed disappointment at the lack of organic data linkage with institutions that pregnant women must go through, such as health centres and obstetrics and gynaecology departments, stating, "Rather than simply waiting for applications, there needs to be a proactive system at the district office level to identify and guide potential beneficiaries."

In response, a district official stated, "Currently, we are operating on an individual application basis, but we are conducting various promotional activities, such as sending promotional documents to local obstetrics and gynaecology departments, health centres, and administrative welfare centres, as well as sending notification texts to ensure that no pregnant women are overlooked."

Council Member Jang urged, "The effectiveness of childbirth encouragement policies is crucial. At the very least, within Michuhol District, I ask that thorough administration is carried out so that not a single pregnant woman misses out on benefits due to a lack of knowledge about the support available."