순창군이 올해 복지 분야에서 잇따라 우수기관으로 선정되며 민선 8기가 추진해 온 ‘따뜻한 복지’ 정책이 가시적인 성과를 내고 있다.

순창군은 의료급여 분야에서 수급자 진료비를 전년 대비 약 9억 원 절감한 실적을 인정받아 보건복지부 주관 ‘의료급여사업 평가 우수 지자체’로 지난해에 이어 선정됐다고 밝혔다. 순창군은 전국 225개 기초자치단체 중 상위 20개 지자체(농어촌 5개)에 포함됐다.

자활 분야에서도 성과가 이어졌다. 지난 9월 순창지역자활센터가 보건복지부 ‘우수기관’으로 선정된 데 이어, 순창군 역시 ‘자활분야 우수 지자체’로 선정돼 260만 원의 포상금을 받았다.

군은 자활기금을 활용해 ‘행복사랑 자활근로사업단’ 차량 구입비를 지원하고, 조례 개정을 통해 자활근로 참여자 35명에게 제주도 연수를 제공하는 등 현장 중심 지원을 추진해 왔다. 군수와 자활기업 간담회를 열어 판로 개척을 함께 모색한 점도 우수사례로 평가됐다.

최영일 순창군수는 “복지 사각지대 군민이 소외되지 않도록 추진한 정책들이 좋은 평가를 받았다”며 “누구나 복지 혜택을 누리는 포용적 순창을 만들기 위해 노력하겠다”고 말했다.

Suncheon County has been selected as an outstanding institution in the welfare field this year, showing tangible results from the 'Warm Welfare' policy that the 8th local government has been promoting.

Suncheon County has been recognized for achieving a savings of approximately 900 million won in medical aid expenses compared to the previous year in the medical aid sector. It was selected as a 'Local Government Excellence in Medical Aid Evaluation' by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, following its selection last year. Suncheon County was included in the top 20 local governments (including 5 rural areas) out of 225 local governments nationwide.

There have also been achievements in the self-reliance sector. Following the selection of the Suncheon Regional Self-Reliance Center as an 'Excellent Institution' by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in September, Suncheon County was also selected as an 'Excellent Local Government in the Self-Reliance Field' and received a prize of 2.6 million won.

The county has been promoting on-site support by utilizing self-reliance funds to support the purchase of vehicles for the 'Happy Love Self-Reliance Work Team' and providing training in Jeju Island for 35 self-reliance workers through ordinance revisions. The county was also evaluated as an outstanding case for holding meetings between the county mayor and self-reliance enterprises to explore new markets together.

Suncheon County Mayor Choi Young-il said, "Policies aimed at ensuring that welfare blind spots do not leave residents marginalized have received good evaluations," adding, "We will strive to create an inclusive Suncheon where everyone can enjoy welfare benefits."