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S. Korea seeks to expand ties with Kuwait in health sector

Speaking at the "Korea Healthcare Seminar" organized in cooperation with the Korean Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), he said, "This year marks the 30th anniversary of Korean-Kuwaiti relations, and although cooperation focused on economy, petrochemicals, and construction, we would like to expand to healthcare.

Yoo hoped that the presentations to be made this day would show those working in the healthcare sector here the high-quality services in Korea and the regulations governing the sector. On behalf of the Korean government, he expressed "deep appreciation" to the Kuwaiti government for this opportunity to introduce the Kuwaiti healthcare sector to Korean medical institutions.

We will do our best to lay the foundation for healthcare cooperation between the two countries," he concluded. Representative of the Korean Ministry of Health, Welfare, and Family Affairs Jung Eun-Young gave a presentation on her country's "healthcare global project." She said that GCC nationals did not require a visa for a 30 day stay, and that this period could be extended to 90 days, while noting that there were direct flights to Seoul from several Gulf cities.

The representative explained that the premium health insurance system imposed by the Korean government accounted for the high quality of healthcare services, adding that there was equality of access to healthcare services and "high level of consumer's choice." Jung highlighted the large pool of healthcare providers in Korea, as well as the international accreditation that many of its institutions enjoyed.

IT (information technology) is one of Korea's strengths, so it is not a surprise that its healthcare sector has cutting-edge technology," she said. Summarizing healthcare in her country, she said it comprised of four aspects: worldclass performance (higher cancer survival rate than that in the US, robotic surgery, and organ transplants); affordable prices (statistics indicate treatment in Korea to be at 25-30 percent of the cost in the US); easy accessibility (direct flights from the Middle East); and IT
power.

Jung said that the Korean government envisioned "establishing the image of an advanced country in medicine" by 2012-2013. "Korea is an ideal destination for medical travel, providing high consumer satisfaction," she concluded.

Representatives of prestigious Korean hospitals then proceeded introducing their medical institutions. These included the Korea Health Industry Development Institute, Korean Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association, Korean Medical Devices Industry Association, Seoul National University Hospital, Asan Hospital (managed by Hyundai), Samsung Medical Center (managed by Samsung), Autech (ambulance manufacturer), and Hanmi Pharm. Co. Ltd.- KUNA