Chung-Sik Ha, Director of Changwon Hanmaeum Hospital at International Medical Foundation, Leads Community Contribution Initiatives

Founded as Changwon Goryeo Hospital in Changwon Myeonggok in 1994
Leading the establishment of the world's first corporate-type orchestra for the disabled
Dedicated to the National Birthrate Campaign and establishment of Birth Day

Changwon Hanmaeum Hospital, operated by the International Medical Foundation, has grown into a large-scale university hospital with 1,008 beds and is now celebrating its 30th anniversary. We met with Chairman Ha Chungshik of the Medical Foundation, who is committed to overcoming the vulnerability of regional healthcare and providing the best medical services.

Most notably, as Changwon Hanmaeum Hospital has rapidly grown into a major general hospital, it has been carrying out a variety of community contribution and volunteer projects. We had a natural conversation with the Chairman in his office regarding related questions and answers.

Hachungsik, Director of Changwon Hanmaeum Hospital, International Medical Foundation.

Regarding the many achievements over the not-so-short 30 years, Chairman Ha stated, "For 30 years, we have worked hard to provide high-quality clinical medical services at our hospital. I am deeply grateful that, thanks to the love of the local community, we have been able to usher in the era of Changwon Yongdong International Medical Foundation Hanmaeum Hospital. Moving forward, we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that we can handle the treatment of severe and complex diseases for local residents by carrying out medical advancement projects."

He also added that while Hanmaeum Hospital has accomplished much in terms of medical services, it has also made significant contributions to the community, saying, "In 2021, we established the world's first corporate-type orchestra for people with disabilities. The Hanmaeum Hospital Disabled Orchestra started with 25 members, all of whom became full-time employees, which drew much attention." He continued, "It is a great source of pride for our hospital. In 2022, we were selected as an excellent employer for people with disabilities and also received the Silver Award from True Company (a trusted company for employing people with disabilities). I consider these great achievements. We plan to further expand these projects to maximize the capabilities of people with disabilities and deliver messages of hope. As a representative medical institution in Gyeongnam, we believe that working with marginalized groups is a beautiful endeavor, and we will continue to do our best."

Exterior view of Changwon Hanmaeum Hospital.

On July 3, in collaboration with the National Couple's Day Committee, the hospital established the first-ever Childbirth Day to address the current national crisis of declining birthrates. Regarding how these issues will be addressed, Chairman Ha explained, "The Childbirth Day ceremony is being promoted as a national memorial day in collaboration with the World Couple's Day Committee and our hospital, which holds the record for the highest number of deliveries in the region. Childbirth Day was designated on July 3, inspired by the World Couple's Day Committee awarding the 'King of Multiple Births' award to Nam Sangdon and Lee Youngmi, who have 12 children, on July 3, 2005. This date also coincides with Women's Week and is close to Population Day (July 11). We will boldly and actively carry out a variety of projects in the future. Please look forward to it," he emphasized.

Regarding the hospital’s community contribution and volunteer activities in close connection with local residents, Chairman Ha said, "Hanmaeum Hospital has supported a total of 35.2 billion KRW so far, including child support projects for the underprivileged, scholarships, and aid for disaster victims. As a result, the number of beneficiaries has reached 200,000. Although it may not be enough, I received the National Medal in 2011 and the National Recommendation Order of Merit in 2019 for these contributions. My wife, Chairwoman Choi Kyunghwa, received the National Medal for Educational Merit in 2021."

Regarding Hanmaeum Hospital's challenge to establish an advanced clinical treatment system, Chairman Ha said, "We are building a medical system at Hanmaeum Hospital that can handle any highly complex or severe treatment or surgery without the need to go to Seoul. In particular, our hepatobiliary and pancreatic ward now offers medical services comparable to those of university hospitals in Seoul. Director Kim Myunghwan has made groundbreaking advancements in the treatment of pancreatic and biliary diseases in Korea. He is the only recipient of the Bunshi Medical Award in the past 30 years. Center Director Joo Jongwoo of the Organ Transplant Center is also renowned for the Alps surgical technique," he said. "There is a shortage of specialized cancer surgery hospitals in the region, and most local residents travel to Seoul for major surgeries. Therefore, Hanmaeum Hospital is working to establish a specialized cancer hospital to become a leading hospital for cancer, cardiovascular, and cerebrovascular diseases. We ask for your continued interest and support," he concluded.