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Korean Air, RMHC Korea, Inha University team up to build
refuge for pediatric patients
By Jhoo Dong-chan, The Korea Times - In a bid to ease the
financial and emotional burden on families of severely ill children, Korean Air
is teaming up with a major global nonprofit and a regional medical center to
build a dedicated sanctuary for pediatric patients.
The airline, along with Ronald McDonald House Charities
(RMHC) Korea and Inha University Hospital, signed an agreement earlier this
week to establish a Ronald McDonald House adjacent to the hospital’s campus in
Incheon. The facility will provide free lodging and comprehensive support for
the families of children undergoing long-term medical treatment.
The deal, finalized during a ceremony marking the
hospital’s 30th anniversary at the Grand Hyatt Incheon, relies on a highly
coordinated tripartite model. Korean Air will donate the land for the project,
RMHC Korea will oversee construction and daily operations and Inha University
Hospital will manage medical coordination and facility maintenance.
The initiative fills a critical gap in regional pediatric
care.
Inha University Hospital operates a government-designated
public specialized medical center for children, a 24-hour pediatric emergency
room and the region's first pediatric intensive care unit. For families
traveling long distances for specialized care, the emotional toll is frequently
compounded by the logistical hurdle of finding affordable, long-term housing
near the hospital. Research has consistently shown that keeping families
together near medical hubs significantly reduces patient stress and improves
clinical outcomes.
“Inha University Hospital was founded with a vision to
advance regional health care and give back to society,” said Cho Won-tae, the
chairman and chief executive of Hanjin Group and Korean Air, referencing the
hospital's founding by his grandfather, Cho Joong-hoon. “In line with this
philosophy, Korean Air is honored to provide the site for the Ronald McDonald
House and support families in our local community.”
With roots spanning 61 countries, RMHC is a global
nonprofit focused on children’s welfare. The upcoming Incheon location
represents a significant expansion of its flagship program, which works to
ensure that families are never forced to choose between proper medical care and
staying by their children's side.
