Seoul to increase veterans' compensation by 5 percent in 2009

SEOUL, Dec. 24 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will pay a total of 2.5 trillion won
(US$1.89 billion) next year in compensation to the country's veterans and their
families and expand its medical program to help former servicemembers suffering
from various injuries and illnesses from wars, the Ministry of Patriots and
Veterans Affairs said Wednesday.
The proposed amount of compensation is up 5 percent from this year, according to
the ministry's 2009 policy briefing to the president.
"The increase comes under the ministry's long-term plan to establish a complete
social safety net for our patriots, veterans and their families," the ministry
said in a released statement.
The increase will translate into an additional 80,000 won per month, meaning
monthly payments of 3.86 million won to some 500,000 people eligible for the
patriots and veterans pay, it said.
In addition to the compensation, the ministry will bolster its medical program to
include all 260,000 war veterans, aged 75 years or older, by 2012 at the latest.
The number of hospitals designated for patriots and veterans will be increased to
464 by 2012 from the current 258, according to the ministry.
A new medical center will also be constructed by 2010 to treat those suffering
from illnesses related to their exposure to herbicide, better known as Agent
Orange, during the Vietnam War.
Through its employment support centers, the ministry will help over 3,000 retired
servicemembers find jobs while providing various vocational and businesses
classes to over 8,000 people next year.
"The ministry will actively support the government efforts to overcome the
current economic crisis by creating jobs and supporting employment of veterans
and their families," the ministry said.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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