Politics · South Korea · 2 hrs ago
South Korea to fund mental health care for young men flagged in military exams
South Korea’s Military Manpower Administration is launching the Maeum Itda project with the health ministry and private partners to support young people who need mental health care.
The project will help those referred for a further physical examination after military service screening because of concerns such as depression or anxiety.
Eligible young people can receive up to 1 million won for medical costs, including appointments, counselling and medication.
The administration will identify people who may need help, while the Korea National Council on Social Welfare will connect corporate donations to fund the support.
Since this year, young people identified as at risk have also been able to receive vouchers for up to eight professional counselling sessions, based on their income.
From next year, screening will add tests for depression and early psychosis for everyone undergoing the military service examination.
The aim is to spot mental health concerns early and help young people get treatment without delaying care because of cost.
South Korea’s Military Manpower Administration will fund treatment for young people identified as needing mental health care during military service examinations.
The “Maeum Itta” project will provide up to 1 million won per person for medical expenses, including consultation, counselling and medication.
The support is aimed at people assigned to a Grade 7 re-examination because of mental health issues such as depression or anxiety.
The administration will work with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and private organisations on the project.
From next year, depression and early psychosis screenings are planned for everyone undergoing the military service examination.
- Who
- South Korea’s Military Manpower Administration, working with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and private organisations.
- What
- The “Maeum Itta” project will provide up to 1 million won per person for mental health care.
- When
- The administration announced the project on October 21. The article says new screenings are planned from next year.
- Where
- South Korea.
- Why
- To help young people identified as needing treatment get timely care and recover from mental health difficulties.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The administration began providing income-based vouchers for up to eight sessions of professional psychological counselling to young people identified as being at mental health risk.
The Military Manpower Administration announced the “Maeum Itta” project.
The administration plans to add depression and early psychosis screenings for everyone undergoing the military service examination.
- Project
- Maeum Itta
- Maximum medical support
- 1 million won per person
- Eligible group
- Grade 7 re-examination candidates needing treatment for mental health issues
- Counselling voucher
- Up to 8 sessions
- Planned screening tools
- PHQ-9 and CAPE-15
1 source
What people are saying
The military service examination is a valuable opportunity to detect mental health crises among young people early and connect them with the help they need.