Top of FormThe Health Ministry of South Korea is considering steps to evade the shut-down of Incheon Chamsarang Hospital, the largest drug addiction treatment hospital in the greater Seoul area, reported Korea JoongAng Daily.

According to the publication, the hospital is facing financial difficulties due to insufficient government funding.

To address this issue, the government has committed to establishing a compensation system that ensures support for drug treatment institutions.

Besides, it will explore regulatory measures to provide support to the hospital.

Addiction recovery programme head at the Korea Association Against Drug Abuse Park Young-deok said: “Closing the hospital will create a massive gap in the treatment and rehabilitation system.

“Incheon Chamsarang Hospital is the only hope for drug addicts in the greater Seoul area.”

The publication also cited the prosecutor's office white paper, which shows a recent surge in drug-related arrests with a record-breaking 18,395 arrests last year.

Furthermore, the estimated count of drug addicts in the country could potentially reach as high as 525,500.

Incheon Chamsarang Hospital's closure is considered as a significant concern for the nation's drug treatment and rehabilitation system, as it accounted for a substantial portion of treated patients.

Ajou University pharmacy professor Lee Beom-jin said: “While the government has declared a war against drugs and is focusing on cracking down on them, it needs to pay more attention to fundamental prevention education, treatment, and rehabilitation.

“It's time to boldly increase related facilities and personnel.”