Hallym University Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital

Hallym University Medical Center(HUMC) held a farewell ceremony for trainees of the 'Training Course on Three Medical Centers Management' on April 10, 2009 at the Ilsong Training Center in Anyang. The training program was designed to provide medical knowledge to Iraqi staff from three medical centers: Baghdad College Laser Institution, Al-Kindi College Knee-Joint Center, Al-Mustansiriya Hemotology Center.

The Korea International Cooperation Agency(KOICA) launched a medical support program named 'Capacity Build-up for Three Medical Centers in Iraq' last March as one of its healthcare promotion projects. HUMC, which was designated as a Project Management Consultant(PMC) by the government agency, carried out medical training for professionals who will be in charge of the installation, maintenance of medical equipment. The fifteen trainees were invited to the first training course for this project from March 30 to April 12. The second training program for Iraqi doctors and nurses is expected to take place this July.

The first group of trainees, consisting of doctors, biologists, and medical engineers, were given lectures on basic and advanced medical theories of Ophthalmology, Orthopedic Surgery, and Laboratory Medicine. They were participated in clinical practices to set up, use, and maintain medical equipment. And Dr. Byung-Chul Lee, Director of Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, congratulated their successful completion of the course by saying, "I am sure the skills you have been acquired here at Hallym and the cultural experience in Korea will greatly help you most effectively operate your medical centers in Baghdad, and eventually will help promote healthcare and welfare of your people in Iraq. With its world-class expertise and various experiences, Hallym shall dedicate itself to delivering its medical know-how to Iraqi friends, and also do its best to disseminate the Korean spirit and culture all over the world as one of nongovernmental diplomats."

In the congratulatory remarks, Iraqi minister Mustafa M. Taufik in Seoul, said, "I believe our Iraqi medical experts who have participated in this training course will be key persons to rebuild the healthcare industry of Iraq. The medical relationship with Hallym will bring a cooperative friendship between Iraq and Korea in the future."

By Jonghun Im, Int'l Operations Team, HUMC (imjonghun@hallym.or.kr)