Minister Marketing Medical Tourism to Diplomats

Staff Reporter

On Thursday morning, Aida Al-Maainah, wife of the ambassador of the United Arab Emirates, saw children suffering from leukemia staying at St. Mary's Hospital in southern Seoul.

The children were studying in a colorful "classroom" with a teacher dispatched from a district educational office to help them keep up with school courses.

"I am so happy and relieved that children could carry on their lives despite illness," she said with a hint of emotion on her face.

"I could definitely recommend the hospital to my friends and other people with sick children. They have good medical skills and a good heart for hospitality," she said.

In another room, she had her hearing checked. "I was quite worried because sometimes I miss what people say. But the doctor told me I am okay. How good is that?"

Al-Maainah was one of the wives of seven ambassadors invited to the Korean Healthcare Experience Program hosted by the Ministry for Health, Welfare and Family Affairs.

The women, whom the ministry invited to show off Korea's latest medical trends and its facilities, visited St. Mary's Hospital, had lunch with Health Minister Jeon Jae-hee and went to the Arumdaun Nara Beauty clinic for a trial skin care.

As they were taking a tour of the hospital to observe the high-end equipment and facilities such as radiation treatment machines, MRIs and other devices, they were quite impressed.

"I have been in Korea since May 2008. I have visited several other hospitals and was quite impressed with the level of techniques and services available," Davaasuren Erdene, wife of the ambassador of Mongolia, said.

The Mongolian Embassy has already signed a memorandum of understanding with Konkuk University Hospital, Inha University Hospital and Samsung Medical Center. There is a growing number of Mongolians visiting Korea for medical treatment. She said, "Now this hospital is definitely on my list!"

The guests enjoyed the cozy and elegant atmosphere of the hospital. "I don't smell agents used in hospitals here. Music was playing in the lobby and the smooth mood, luxurious VIP bedrooms and other facilities made me think I was in a six-star-hotel!" Lyudmila Fen, wife of the ambassador of Uzbekistan said.

The participants were also quite sharp in making suggestions. While looking around the healthcare center, Al-Maainah suggested that the hospital keep all the screens subtitled in English and other languages for foreign patients. Tatiana Rusetskaya, wife of the ambassador of Belarus, said the hospitals could offer packages at various prices so that more people could make the most of the programs.

Health Minister Jeon agreed with them. "It is an honor that we could invite them and show how well we conduct medical procedures and take care of the patients. Tell us your suggestions so that we can continue to improve," she said during the luncheon.

The government expects about 70,000 foreigners to visit Korea this year for medical treatment. The so-called medical tourism market is estimated to be worth more than 100 billion won.

bjs@koreatimes.co.kr