Busan is good

Busan City Conducts On-Site Education at Senior Centers for Safe Purchase and Proper Use of Medical Devices

내용

Starting April 16, Busan Metropolitan City will conduct on-site education sessions at 105 senior centers across the city to help elderly citizens make informed decisions when purchasing and using medical devices.

The initiative was launched in response to the growing accessibility of medical devices for home use and aims to ensure that seniors are equipped with accurate knowledge to avoid harm or fraud.

With the advancement of medical device technology and the deepening of the super-aged society, there has been an increase in damage cases related to deceptive marketing tactics—such as free trial offers and false advertising—that exploit elderly consumers’ concerns about health. Inappropriate use of unapproved or unnecessary devices can result in health risks.

To prevent such issues, Busan City will dispatch trained Consumer Medical Device Monitors to visit senior centers and deliver targeted education on topics such as:

• ●How to properly purchase medical devices

• ●Safe usage and precautions

• ●How to respond to adverse effects

• ●Case studies of damage caused by exaggerated or false advertising (e.g., free trial offers)

This on-site program is part of Busan City’s broader consumer safety initiative. The Consumer Medical Device Monitors, appointed by the city in March 2024, consist of individuals with knowledge of medical devices who have completed standardized training. Members may include representatives from medical device organizations or consumer groups.

The training sessions will be held in two phases—April to May and September to October 2025—covering at least two sessions per month. Education will be conducted in cooperation with the Senior Center Support Center, and schedules may vary depending on circumstances.

Expected Outcomes:

• ●Raise awareness among seniors and other vulnerable populations to prevent damage caused by false or exaggerated advertisements

• ●Promote a safer environment for the use of medical devices, thereby enhancing the quality of life and health of the elderly

---

[Appendix 1] Education Overview

Legal Basis:

• ●Article 40(2) of the Medical Device Act: Operation of Consumer Medical Device Monitors

• ●Notification by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety: Guidelines for the Operation of Consumer Medical Device Monitors

Background:

• ●Rising public interest in health due to new infectious diseases and aging population

• ●Increased risk of deceptive marketing targeting vulnerable groups, especially seniors

• ●Need for consumer education on safe and informed medical device purchases

Details:

• ●Period: April–May, September–October 2025 (at least 2 sessions per month)

• ●Location: 105 senior centers within Busan

• ●Instructor: Consumer Medical Device Monitors

• ●Content:

• 1.Proper purchasing methods for medical devices

• 2.How to use commonly used medical devices and precautions

• 3.How to report adverse effects from medical devices

• 4.Damage cases from free trial promotions and how to respond

• ●Format: Two-person teams of monitors will visit centers and distribute materials (posters, brochures, etc.)

Anticipated Impact:

• ●Enhance awareness of exaggerated advertising among vulnerable groups and prevent potential harm

• ●Improve the elderly's quality of life and public health through safe and informed use of medical devices