National Human Rights Commission of Korea Annual Report 2017
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disease management, chronic disease management, and general treatment, in this order.
Reasons for not using public health centers were use of other hospitals, unfamiliarity with
types of services offered, distance and lack of transportation options. Most public health center
users were found to be generally satisfied with the facilities and services. However, they
said improvements could be made in terms of scope of treatment and specialties, availability
of specialists, diversification of educational program to cover blood pressure, diabetes, and
Alzheimer’s disease, expanding external services, flexible service hours considering senior’s
activities, hospitality of service providers, and detailed information on prescriptions.
D. Promoting the rights of the disabled
Part 2
● Monitoring to prevent discrimination against disabled persons
The Commission monitored the occurrence of discriminatory acts specified in the Act on
protection of the rights of the disabled. In consultation with relevant organizations, it is seeking
ways to eliminate discrimination in daily life.
The Commission appointed 158 watch group members in six areas (Seoul, Gyeonggi, Busan,
Gwangju, Daegu, and Daejeon), of which 61.4% have a physical, brain, visual or hearing
disabilities.
The watch group monitored accessibility to transportation and educational facilities by visiting
153 subway and train stations, 204 schools, and 20 vocational training schools.
The results were sent to the relevant organizations to encourage corrective measures. As a
result, more than 95% of these organizations submitted an improvement plan.
● International symposium on integration of the mentally disabled in local communities
On 14 September, the Commission held an international symposium on integration of
mentally disabled persons in local communities jointly with the Korean Alliance on Mental
Illness (KAMI). The Mental Health Welfare Actthat went into effect in 2017 underlines the
importance of local community integration, and key to this is alleviation of prejudices and an
effective guarantee of the rights of the mentally challenged. The symposium was held to share
Commission's
Major Activities
the Prohibition of Discrimination against Persons with Disabilities and matters related to the