By Kang Hyun-kyung
BELLANISTA, Peru ― Eleana Iannacone, director of the Bellanista Peru-Korea Clinic, kicked off a disease prevention program after returning to Lima in early May after wrapping up a two-week field trip to Seoul.
She joined the training program, which started on April 22, at the invitation of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
Iannacone, 48, and five other Peruvian medical doctors visited clinics as well as hospitals in Seoul and other cities, which included a medical tourism program.
“I was struck by the fact that Koreans were more interested in disease prevention than medical treatment. This was new to me, because Peruvian doctors still heavily focus on treatment,” she said.
“Koreans appeared to be interested in exercise and changing their dietary habits to improve their health. Doctors were there to help them. I was impressed to see that people, not doctors, paid attention to their health.”
Iannacone mentioned that like other Peruvian hospitals, the Bellanista clinic, located approximately 50 kilometers northwest of Lima is currently placing top priority on the treatment of patients.
But she said she plans to phase in disease prevention for the residents, including a health awareness program, at the clinic.
The Bellanista clinic was renovated last year with $2 million in KOICA funding. About 100,000 residents benefit from the improved medical facility.