Jung Ye-ji, Bupyeong District Council Member: "Expanding Smoking Cessation Programs is the Start of Urban Environmental Improvement... Support for Expecting Parents Must Also Be Thoroughly Addressed"

Incheon Bupyeong District Council Member Jung Ye-ji (Democratic Party·Proportional) urged for urban environmental improvement through smoking cessation policies and meticulous management of health administration for expecting parents.

During the second report of the 274th Bupyeong District Council's temporary session held on January 29, Council Member Jung emphasized the 'environmental effect' of smoking cessation policies, stating, "Expanding smoking cessation programs will ultimately help reduce cigarette butt litter on the streets."

Council Member Jung particularly focused on the 'Mobile Smoking Cessation Clinic' program, suggesting, "Rather than waiting for applications, the district office should proactively send guidance notices to large businesses with many employees, like Korea GM or Woorim Lions Valley, to encourage participation."

In response, the Bupyeong District Health Center stated, "Although the number of operations has somewhat decreased due to staff reductions, we will continue to operate smoking cessation counseling programs, focusing on large businesses and areas densely populated by young people."

Following this, Council Member Jung checked the operational status of the health examination program for expecting parents. She mentioned that the previous restriction of 'within three years of marriage' has been lifted, expanding the target to all expecting couples (before their first child’s pregnancy), and pointed out the need for accurate information dissemination.

Council Member Jung noted, "The website states that the examination time on Fridays is '9:00 AM to 9:30 AM', which could lead to misunderstandings among residents." When a district official responded, "It seems to be a recording error. We will correct it immediately," Council Member Jung urged, "As support for those planning pregnancies is crucial in this low birth rate era, please ensure thorough website maintenance and promotion."

Council Member Jung also mentioned the use of remaining products (scales) as an event, encouraging frugal budget execution while emphasizing the need for meticulous administration to ensure that the program leads to tangible benefits for residents, concluding her inquiries.