Korea designated as evacuation center by World Bank

Medical staff tests foreign staff at Lotte World on Tuesday in Songpa, southern Seoul. Korea's response to the Covid-19 has been highly praised by the global community. [YONHAP]

The World Bank recently named Korea as a “medical evacuation destination,” citing the country’s advanced medical services and success in handling the coronavirus pandemic.

This designation means that World Bank’s employees in the Asia-Pacific region will be treated in Korea in case of medical emergencies, the Ministry of Economy and Finance said Tuesday.

The emergency treatment is not be limited to the coronavirus and includes care for chronic diseases, disabilities and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The Korean medical service will be available to all of the World Bank’s employees and their families in 29 countries in the region, including the Philippines, Cambodia, Mongolia and Vietnam.

The two other countries in the region designated for medical evacuation for the international organization are Singapore and Thailand.

The World Bank decided to name additional countries since the coronavirus outbreak.

The costs of treatment of employees, including travel expenses, medical bills and other related expenses will be covered by the World Bank’s insurance for its employees.

According to the ministry, Victoria Kwakwa, the World Bank’s East Asia and Pacific vice president, and Annette Dixon, human development vice president, sent a letter in which they stated that they have been “impressed” by the Korean government and its people in handling the novel coronavirus outbreak and that other member countries should learn from Korea’s experience.

The World Bank is seeking to cooperate in other ways with Korea. It has proposed Korea as a case study in combating Covid-19 and stationing a health consultant at its office in Songdo.

The Korean Finance Ministry in a statement said the designation by the World Bank shows that Korea’s medical technology is recognized internationally and that the designation will contribute to the expansion of Korea’s medical exports.

It added that the government will use the designation to promote Korea's medical brand while seeking stronger international cooperation.

BY LEE HO-JEONG [lee.hojeong@joongang.co.kr]