38만명 외국인 환자들, 조기 진단부터 재활까지 한국에서 의료 서비스 받는다: 성남국제의료관광컨벤션 2019<br /><br />South Korea has emerged as a popular medical tourism destination in recent years, with the number of foreign patients in local hospitals jumping more than six-fold over the past ten years.<br />The city of Seongnam, on the outskirts of Seoul,... is aiming to become the country's leader in medical tourism.<br />Oh Soo-young reports. <br />Eight year old Ali from the United Arab Emirates,... is learning how to use his legs for the first time in South Korea.<br />Born with infantile paralysis, Ali hasn't been able to walk due to severe muscle weakness in his legs.<br />But now, after three operations at this hospital in Seongnam, he has started rehabilitation therapy.<br />Ali is one of the growing number of foreigners visiting Korea for medical treatment.<br />"We heard about the high quality of medical care in Korea. We're very happy with the successful operations and also how the hospital's services tend to our needs here like a family away from home."<br />According to the health ministry, the number of international patients has grown roughly 22 percent every year over the past decade,... from around 60,000 in 2009 to more than 380-thousand last year.<br />The patients came from 190 countries,... with the most visitors coming from China, followed by the U.S., Japan and Russia. <br />A survey in 2018 found Korea was the world's third most popular medical tourism destination behind the U.S. and Germany due to its advanced medical skills, equipment, and services.<br />"We don't simply examine the conspicuous symptoms the patients come with. We do a full check-up before the diagnosis, which helps identify related or hidden conditions. After treatment, we advise them on after-care and answer all their questions. Even after they return to their home countries, we call to check that they're making progress.<br />International medical centers offer specialised services,... such as airport pick-ups and interpretation,... as well as accommodation and customised options for every budget,... on top of the medical care itself.<br />Seongnam City, after Seoul, is the country's second largest medical attraction for foreign visitors.<br />Last year, the number of foreign inpatients grew 105 percent on-year, topping 10,000.<br />"Going beyond our medical gadgets, treatments and rehabilitation, we dream of setting a global example by expanding our capacity to address long-term stays, tourism, education food for patients as well as medical exchanges with other countries."<br />"To showcase its diverse medical services and state-of-the-art devices,... the city is holding a three-day convention -- expected to attract some 20-thousand visitors.<br />Oh Soo-young, Arirang News, Seongnam." <br />
