Korea University Medicine said Thursday that it started a project to treat 100 patients in developing countries by 2028, the 100th anniversary of the Korea University Medicine, to demonstrate the spirit of love, sharing, humanity, and philanthropy to the world.
The project began with treating a 10-year-old Mongolian girl, Tsogzaya Naranmunkh, in cooperation with an international NGO, Samaritan's Purse, who supported her transportation from Mongolia to Korea University Medicine, and Korea University Medicine covered all of her medical expenses.
Naranmunkh suffers from atrial septal defect, a congenital heart disease that causes blood flow leakage in the heart due to a defect between the right and left atrium, which not only hinders her daily life but also makes it difficult for her to play with her friends.
In addition, her parents' daily salary is about $4.6, making it impossible for them to treat her heart disease without outside help.
Naranmunkh, who arrived in Korea on Nov. 22, underwent various tests upon arrival to prepare for the treatment of her atrial septal defect and received a healthy heart through a procedure two days later.
Lee Jue-seong, Professor of the Department of Pediatrics at Korea University Anam Hospital, who performed the procedure, said, "It was heartbreaking to think of the time she had spent in tears due to the difficult medical environment in Mongolia and the difficult economic conditions of her family." "I hope she can now play with her friends, find hope, and study hard to grow into a healthy and excellent person."
Yoon Eul-sik, Director of Korea University Medicine said, "We met Tsogzaya Naranmunkh as the first patient to start treating 100 patients from developing countries by 2028, the 100th anniversary of the Korea University Medicine, and I think it was a joy for us to help her find health."
Founded in 1928 as the nation's first women's medical education institute, Korea University Medicine conducts various projects, including medical expenses support, health professional training in developing countries, ESG initiatives, and future-focused medical education.