"94% Shortage of Nurses in Local Medical Centers"…Incheon City Council Passes 'Nursing Workforce Support' Ordinance

A systematic safety net has been established to address the long-standing issue of 'nursing workforce shortage' in Incheon region medical institutions. The aim is to alleviate the chronic manpower shortage in local medical centers and improve the working environment for nurses to provide quality medical services to citizens.

According to the Incheon City Council's Culture and Welfare Committee on the 30th, the 'Incheon Metropolitan City Ordinance on Nursing Workforce Support and Improvement of Nursing Services,' proposed by Council Member Jang Seong-sook (Democratic Party of Korea, Proportional), has passed the committee review.

This ordinance is based on the 'Nursing Law' that was enacted in June of last year. It is significant in that it clearly defines the responsibilities of the Incheon Mayor regarding the training of nursing personnel, improvement of treatment, and enhancement of working conditions.

Currently, the medical reality in Incheon is challenging. According to statistics, 94% of local medical centers are experiencing a shortage of nurses, and Incheon Medical Center is also facing difficulties in providing public medical services due to recurring supply and demand issues every year.

In response, the amendment specifies measures such as the establishment of a Nursing Policy Council, support for the training and education of nursing personnel, securing appropriate working hours, improving shift and night work environments, and protecting health rights. It has formalized the demands consistently raised in the field into an ordinance to enhance its effectiveness.

Council Member Jang emphasized that improving the quality of life for nurses ultimately leads to patient safety and enhancement of medical services. The argument is that stable staffing is essential for maintaining skilled medical services.

Jang stated, "Expanding the nursing workforce is not just an issue for a specific profession, but a necessary task for all 3 million Incheon citizens to enjoy a safe medical environment," adding, "I will closely monitor the policy implementation to ensure this ordinance serves as a 'catalyst' for real change in the medical field."

Once this ordinance passes the plenary session and is officially implemented, it is expected that Incheon will accelerate specific budget allocation and project promotion to support the local settlement of nursing personnel.