Health ministry expands dementia primary care pilot to 92 districts

The health ministry said Friday it will expand its dementia management primary doctor pilot project to 92 municipal districts from August 3, up from the current 42 areas. The expansion increases the number of participating physicians to 417, adding doctors to the existing roster of 315.

The move aims to allow more dementia patients to receive treatment and management within their local communities by widening the recruitment pool for the second phase to the entire country. A selection process resulted in the addition of medical facilities to the program.

Launched in July 2024, the pilot allows patients to receive comprehensive care for dementia symptoms and general health issues. As of June 2026, approximately 7,044 patients were registered and receiving specialized services through the initiative.

Under the model, designated doctors establish customized treatment plans based on annual comprehensive evaluations. The protocol includes up to eight face-to-face education and counseling sessions per year for patients and guardians, along with up to 12 remote check-ins via phone or video call to monitor medication adherence and complications. Doctors also make up to four house calls annually for patients with mobility difficulties.

Choi Bong-geun, the ministry's senior policy officer for aging populations, said the nationwide expansion enables more regions and medical facilities to participate. "We plan to further strengthen the community-centered dementia care system to deliver continuous and professional services closer to where patients live," Choi said.