청주시 의원의 자주식 휠체어 사용자 접근성 실태

Accessibility of Mobility-disadvantaged Persons to Medical Clinics in Cheongju

This study was aimed at evaluating accessibility situations of medical clinics in Cheongju-si, Chungbuk. Those studied were subjects of the Act on Guarantee of Promotion of Convenience of Persons with Disabilities, i.e., the Elderly, Pregnant Women, Among Others. It also assessed facilities that had a pharmacy in the same building to suggest possibilities for their improvement with respect to manual wheelchair users and thereby improving the accessibility of medical clinics to such individuals. A field survey with a structured checklist was conducted to total 24 medical clinics and 21 pharmacies in 21 buildings located in Cheongju-si during April and May 2017. The major findings were as follows: (1) Among 24 medical clinics, 23 were found to meet basic accessibility conditions for persons with mobility impairment in accessing the clinics from outside the buildings. (2) Among 21 pharmacies, nine were found to have no accessible entrance from both inside and outside the building. (3) A majority of the features with low application rates, below 30%, were found to be features that could be easily improved with low cost and minimal effort. In conclusion, it was suggested that improvements be made to the legislative system to enhance the overall accessibility of medical clinics. Also, to increase knowledge and garner the attention of local self-government officers and owners of buildings, medical clinics, and pharmacies regarding the needs and conditions of persons with disabilities with respect to accessing medical clinics and pharmacy facilities.