Seoul National University Hospital and National Medical Center Sign MOU to Establish Central Infectious Disease Hospital

Cooperation on Establishing Operation and Services of Central Infectious Disease Hospital

Seoul National University Hospital announced on the 19th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the National Medical Center for cooperation in the establishment and operation of the Central Infectious Disease Hospital.

Seoul National University Hospital announced on the 19th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding for cooperation in the establishment and operation of the Central Infectious Disease Hospital with the National Medical Center. From the left, Kim Young-tae, Director of Seoul National University Hospital, and Joo Young-soo, Director of the National Medical Center.
[Photo by Seoul National University Hospital]

The purpose of this agreement is to enhance the infectious disease treatment and research capabilities of the Central Infectious Disease Hospital, scheduled for completion in 2027, and to establish a rapid and flexible response system for emerging infectious diseases.

According to the agreement, both institutions have established a joint cooperation system for the establishment of the Central Infectious Disease Hospital. Based on its experience in responding to infectious disease crises, Seoul National University Hospital plans to dispatch specialized personnel to contribute to advancing the medical system of the Central Infectious Disease Hospital during the establishment process. Furthermore, both institutions plan to discuss specific cooperation measures to achieve goals such as ▲operation and service establishment of the Central Infectious Disease Hospital ▲domestic and global infectious disease joint research ▲personnel exchange in the infectious disease field ▲strengthening public health care.

Kim Young-tae, President of Seoul National University Hospital, said, "Seoul National University Hospital has taken the lead in developing infectious disease management guidelines during the COVID-19 situation and has been at the forefront of overcoming the crisis in the medical safety net." He added, "Based on this experience and excellent education, treatment, and research capabilities, we will participate in the establishment of the Central Infectious Disease Hospital and strive to create a country free from emerging infectious diseases."

Joo Young-soo, President of the National Medical Center, emphasized, "We expect to enhance world-class medical response capabilities together with infectious disease experts from Seoul National University Hospital to ensure the safety of the people." He added, "We will strengthen the public health cooperation system between the two institutions and work to prevent any gaps in essential medical care during infectious disease crises."

The Central Infectious Disease Hospital is a medical institution designated by the National Medical Center in 2017 by the Ministry of Health and Welfare to provide specialized treatment for patients with emerging and high-risk infectious diseases and to train experts in infectious disease research and prevention.