By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Samsung Medical Center Monday opened an Allergen-Free Center for patients suffering allergies. It is the first time a local hospital has set up a special ward for such patients and the Ministry of Environment has authorized the center for a 10-year ``Atopy Free'' project.
Atopic, or allergic disease includes allergic rhinitis, atopic skin trouble and asthma, which will be treated at the center.
The SMC has set up four sick beds on its ninth floor with special facilities equipped to block anything that could worsen patients' symptoms. House dust mites, a major allergen, will be controlled; each patient will be provided with a different diet according to his or her symptoms.
``Koreans have long been aware of atopic diseases but sufferers were unable to find suitable medical facilities to deal with them effectively. The Allergen-Free Center will work on rooting out the disease,'' Lee Sang-il, the chief of the center, said.
Air quality will be evaluated twice a month and environmentally friendly interior designs will also provide a comforting environment.
Patients will not only receive physical treatment but also counseling on such matters as diet.