The Ministry of the Interior and Safety stated on June 22 that it will implement revisions to the "Regulations on the Integrated Processing of Pregnancy and Childbirth-Related Services" starting June 30. This change aims to improve accessibility and convenience for users of pregnancy and childbirth support services.
The most significant change is the introduction of the agent application system. If a pregnant woman is unable to apply for services due to unavoidable circumstances, family members such as spouses, direct relatives, siblings, and their spouses can now apply on her behalf.
When an agent applies for services, they must submit a power of attorney and a family relationship certificate to prove their connection to the pregnant woman. However, if they consent to the use of shared administrative information, they can skip submitting these documents.
In addition to allowing agent applications, the government has expanded the benefits and convenience of individual policies within the one-stop pregnancy and childbirth service. The "Mom-Friendly Pregnancy" service, which includes maternal and newborn health care support, has now added families with premature infants (born before 37 weeks of gestation or weighing less than 2.5 kg) to the list of eligible beneficiaries, regardless of income criteria.
Furthermore, the "Happy Childbirth" service, which provides postpartum benefits, can now be applied for nationwide, rather than being restricted to the applicant's registered address.
Kim Min-jae, Vice Minister of the Interior and Safety, stated, "The government is focusing on making various public services related to pregnancy and childbirth easily accessible and convenient for everyone. We will continue to collaborate with relevant departments to improve these services and minimize the inconveniences faced by citizens in their daily lives."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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