J Korean Med Assoc.  2018 Jul;61(7):378-381. 10.5124/jkma.2018.61.7.378.

For the formation of a health community on the Korean Peninsula, inter-Korean cooperation should begin in the field of healthcare

• Jeon WT

• KMID: 2416407
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5124/jkma.2018.61.7.378

Abstract

On April 27, 2018, a historic inter-Korean summit took place. Accordingly, the hostile confrontation that lasted for the past 70 years is over, and many exchanges of human resources and material between the two Koreas are expected. In this situation, I propose that the reasons for and methods of cooperation in healthcare between North and South Korea should be among the first issues to be considered. The reasons are as follows. First, as exchanges increase, the South and the North will rapidly develop into a single health community on the Korean peninsula. Second, cooperation in the field of healthcare can play a leading role in fostering a positive attitude among South and North Koreans toward the improvement of inter-Korean relations and the possibility of future unification. Third, the two Koreas have conditions that make them ideal partners for improving healthcare quality and systems in each country. Some suggestions for specific ways to do this are presented. First, an inter-Korean healthcare agreement should be concluded. Second, specific organizations for inter-Korean cooperation should be established and operated. Third, it is necessary to form and operate a "˜control tower' for this process in South Korea. It is expected that cooperation between the two Koreas in the field of healthcare will eventually extend to cooperation in all areas.

Keyword

Democratic People's Republic of Korea; Unification of the Korean Peninsula; Healthcare cooperation; Health community on the Korean Peninsula

MeSH Terms

Delivery of Health Care*
Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Foster Home Care
Humans
Korea
Quality of Health Care

Reference

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