On January 23, the Ministry of Health and Welfare held the first Central-Local Health and Welfare Cooperation Meeting of 2026, focusing on the mandatory implementation of barrier-free kiosks and the nationwide expansion of integrated medical, nursing, and care support. The meeting, chaired by First Vice Minister Lee Seuran and attended by welfare and health directors from 17 provinces and cities, reviewed the progress of previously discussed tasks and explored cooperation strategies for major welfare policies in 2026. The agenda emphasized the importance of central-local collaboration for the successful rollout of these initiatives. Special attention was given to policies that protect the rights of vulnerable groups, including people with disabilities.
Following the amendment of the Anti-Discrimination Act for Persons with Disabilities, from January 28, 2024, all businesses except small public facilities under 50m2, small business owners, and sites with table-order mini kiosks are required to install barrier-free kiosks. The Ministry and local governments are distributing Q&A materials and strengthening education and publicity to help stakeholders prepare for the new system. After implementation, nationwide surveys will be conducted in public, educational, and medical institutions to ensure early stabilization of the policy. Additionally, from March 27, integrated medical, nursing, and care support services will be available nationwide.
Local governments, including city, county, and township offices, are preparing for the smooth implementation of integrated care services by organizing dedicated teams and enacting relevant ordinances. First Vice Minister Lee Seuran stressed that cooperation with local governments is essential to strengthen the social safety net and ensure citizens feel the impact of these policies. She highlighted the need for meticulous and ongoing efforts to prevent inconvenience for seniors and people with disabilities in daily life. The meeting also discussed cooperation on other key welfare policies, such as regional healthcare, suicide prevention, and youth support.
Going forward, the Ministry of Health and Welfare and local governments will continuously monitor the progress of the discussed measures through the Central-Local Cooperation Meeting. By working as a unified team, they aim to deliver tangible results that citizens can experience firsthand. These policies are expected to significantly improve the quality of life for vulnerable groups and advance inclusive welfare in Korea. Enhanced field readiness and cooperation will likely lead to broader and more effective welfare services for all citizens.
The mandatory adoption of barrier-free kiosks and nationwide integrated care services marks a significant step toward digital accessibility and inclusive welfare in Korea. The structured central-local cooperation model enhances policy effectiveness and directly addresses the daily challenges faced by people with disabilities and the elderly. Continuous feedback and field surveys will be crucial for ongoing improvements, positioning Korea as a leader in advanced and inclusive welfare policy implementation.