News of Seongnam Medical Center Saving a COVID-19 Coma Patient Draws Netizens' Attention to Comparing Two Policies
Mr. Lee (front row), who was in a coma due to COVID-19, was discharged after more than four months through ECMO treatment at Seongnam City Medical Center on the 10th and is taking a commemorative photo with the medical staff.
[Asia Economy (Seongnam) = Reporter Lee Young-gyu] A woman in her 50s who had fallen into a coma due to COVID-19 was recently discharged after making a miraculous recovery in just four months through "ECMO treatment" (a therapy that removes the patient's blood, supplies oxygen, and returns it to the body) at Seongnam Medical Center. This has brought renewed attention to Seongnam Medical Center, which Gyeonggi Province Governor Lee Jae-myung steadfastly promoted during his tenure as mayor of Seongnam despite some opposition.
In particular, netizens who learned of this news pointed out the contrast with People Power Party presidential candidate Hong Joon-pyo, who, during his time as governor of Gyeongnam Province, closed a public medical institution (Jinju Medical Center). They noted, "While Hong Joon-pyo closed Jinju Medical Center citing deficits, Lee Jae-myung opened Seongnam Medical Center," highlighting the mistake in Hong’s closure of public medical institutions.
Seongnam Medical Center announced in a press release on the 11th that Mr. Lee (53), who was initially treated for cold symptoms at a local clinic in May before being diagnosed with COVID-19 and admitted to Seongnam Medical Center, a designated regional hospital, had faced a critical condition including a coma. However, through ECMO treatment, which involves removing blood, supplying oxygen, and reinfusing it, he regained his health and was discharged on the 10th.
In his discharge statement, Mr. Lee said, "I know I was admitted to (Seongnam) Medical Center, but I don’t remember how long it took to wake up." He added, "When I heard from those around me that I had recovered after being in a coma and near death, tears of gratitude for the medical staff came to my eyes. I will never forget this for the rest of my life."
As Mr. Lee’s story was reported in the media, posts expressing sympathy for the importance of public healthcare and Governor Lee Jae-myung’s medical policies in establishing Seongnam Medical Center have been pouring in. Especially, netizens comparing candidate Hong Joon-pyo, who closed Jinju Medical Center citing deficits, with Governor Lee are increasing.
A user with the ID "ManXXX" posted, "I think such good things happened because Lee Jae-myung, then mayor of Seongnam, established Seongnam Medical Center."
Another user with the ID "MXXXXXXX" gave high marks to Governor Lee for strongly promoting the establishment of Seongnam Medical Center, writing briefly, "The necessity of public healthcare... Lee Jae-myung’s insight."
On the other hand, posts criticizing candidate Hong Joon-pyo’s closure of Jinju Medical Center are also noticeable.
User "AhXXX" posted, "While Hong Joon-pyo closed Jinju Medical Center citing deficits, Lee Jae-myung opened Seongnam Medical Center."
User "SeokXX" contrasted the two’s differing public healthcare policies, saying, "Lee Jae-myung created such a medical center, while Hong Joon-pyo even closed existing medical centers."
User "2***" pointed out the mistake in Hong’s policy decision, stating, "Public medical institutions should not be closed even if they operate at a deficit."
An anonymous medical professional said, "The case of Seongnam Medical Center saving a patient in a life-threatening condition through ECMO treatment is an exemplary case showing why public healthcare is necessary," and added, "I hope this becomes an opportunity for further expansion of public healthcare."
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