By Park Si-soo
Two powerful organizations in the country’s medical industry have joined forces to open branches of local hospitals overseas that use their operation systems.
Representatives of the Korean Hospital Association (KHA) and the Committee of Future Medical Industry launched a new organization Monday that will dedicate itself to facilitate opening Korean hospitals.
Bae Byeong-woo, chairman of health testing equipment manufacturer Infopia, was designated as inaugural president of the organization tentatively named the Committee for Exporting Hospital and Medical Services (CEHMS).
The committee was established amid growing frustration among domestic hospitals that the absence of overseas promotions specializing in medical services has hampered their overseas expansion.
Bae said the CEHMS will form an extensive network with hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, builders and international distributors to provide clients with “one stop” services. He said there was a growing demand for Korean hospitals in developing countries in Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.
“The demand for good hospitals and operation systems is on the rise in developing countries,” Bae said. “Korean hospital systems and services are not behind those of economically advanced countries. In this regard, the committee’s role is promoting this so that many Korean hospitals will be able to have a business presence in other countries.”
KHA President Kim Yoon-soo expressed high expectations for the committee, saying, “Korea has found its international reputation improved significantly thanks to its high-speed Internet connections and other high-end information technology. We will see the second boost with overseas hospitals.”
According to the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Corporation, the global demand for new hospitals will continue to grow. The world’s hospital building market is estimated to reach $100 billion by 2020.
A launching ceremony was held with some 50 people from 18 member hospitals of the CEHMS in attendance.