Park calls for efforts to remove 'blind spots' in welfare system

By Song Sang-ho

VIENTIANE, Sept. 7 (Yonhap) -- President Park Geun-hye on Wednesday urged social workers to join her government's efforts to remove "blind spots" in the state welfare system, pledging to continue individually tailored services to enhance the wellbeing of citizens.

In her video message at a ceremony marking Social Work Day, the president highlighted a state program to provide services that are customized to meet the specific needs of individuals at different stages of life and circumstances, such as those for the elderly and the underprivileged.

For the welfare program to be successful, social workers' support is critical, Park stressed.

"The dramatic advancement in the area of social welfare that we have achieved was possible because of the selfless dedication by you, social workers," she said in the message. "The government will pay attention to your efforts so you can work with a great sense of pride."

Since Park took office in February 2013, her government has been pushing for a variety of aid programs, including one to turn local community centers into "welfare hubs."

Until last year, the government operated test welfare hubs in 15 administrative units across the country. It plans to introduce this kind of welfare program in some 3,500 local administrative units by 2018.

sshluck@yna.co.kr
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