Gangnam-gu Presents a ‘Precious’ Gift of Ears to a Mongolian Girl through Overseas Medical Sharing
In Commemoration of the 33rd Anniversary of Korea-Mongolia Diplomatic Relations, Invited 14-year-old Enkhmandakh from a Low-income Family for Congenital Microtia Surgery on July 26
On August 9, Awarded a Plaque of Appreciation to Gangnam Severance Hospital; Enkhmandakh and Her Mother Attended to Express Gratitude
Gangnam-gu (Mayor Jo Seongmyeong) performed ear reconstruction surgery on a Mongolian girl as part of the ‘2023 Medical Gangnam Sharing Medical Care’ project, commemorating the 33rd anniversary of Korea-Mongolia diplomatic relations.
Enkhmandakh Dorjbaatar (DORJBAATAR ENKHMANDAKH, 14), a Mongolian girl born with congenital microtia, a condition where the right ear is underdeveloped, had not received treatment due to her family’s difficult financial situation and the lack of surgical options in her home country’s medical environment.
Upon request for candidate recommendations for the Gangnam Sharing Medical Care program, the Mongolian Ministry of Health recommended this girl, enabling her to receive treatment in Gangnam-gu.
On July 26, the first stage of ear reconstruction surgery and septoplasty were performed at Gangnam Severance Hospital. Originally, only plastic surgery for ear reconstruction was planned, but due to severe nasal congestion symptoms, an ENT collaborative surgery was also conducted to correct the deviated nasal septum. Since microtia requires a second surgery to adjust the angle between the reconstructed ear and the normal ear, she is scheduled to return in November for the follow-up surgery.
Gangnam Severance Hospital provided the ear reconstruction and septoplasty free of charge. Four Points by Sheraton Seoul Gangnam Hotel cooperated with accommodation, and Gangnam-gu supported airfare and living expenses. The entire sharing medical care process will be produced as a documentary-style promotional video and broadcast through Mongolian media to promote Gangnam-gu’s excellent medical technology.
On August 9, the district presented a plaque of appreciation to Gangnam Severance Hospital for their willing participation in the sharing medical care. Enkhmandakh and her mother, who have recovered after the surgery, also attended the event to express their gratitude. Enkhmandakh’s mother said, “My child could not tie her hair before, and during COVID-19, she could not wear a mask over her ears, so we had to fix it with pins. We are grateful to Gangnam-gu and Gangnam Severance Hospital for their help, and we will raise her to be a strong child who never forgets the love she received in Korea.”
Enkhmandakh said, “Thank you for making my ears beautiful. This opportunity has inspired me to dream of becoming a doctor who can help others.”
Gangnam-gu, together with six medical cooperation institutions, will target the Mongolian market from August 24 to 27. On the 24th, Gangnam-gu will host the ‘Medical Gangnam Briefing Session’ for 30 Mongolian medical institutions and medical tourism-related organizations. The briefing will include a presentation of this sharing medical care case, one-on-one business meetings, and signing of MOUs between medical institutions of both countries. From August 25 to 27, Gangnam-gu plans to operate a medical tourism promotion booth (Gangnam Pavilion) at the Korea Medical Tourism Expo in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, hosted by the Korea Tourism Organization.
Jo Seongmyeong, Mayor of Gangnam-gu, stated, “Through overseas sharing medical care, we aim to bring hope to economically disadvantaged people and promote Gangnam-gu’s excellent medical technology locally overseas. We will expand global exchanges by utilizing outstanding medical tourism infrastructure and lead Korea’s medical tourism industry.”
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