Health and Safety of Overseas Workers During COVID-19 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Iraq

Dispatch of Medical Team Overseas

A medical team has been sent to Iraq. Their mission is to support the health and safety of overseas workers during COVID-19. On August 20, Professor Lee Dong-Geun from the Infection Control Department at St. Mary’s Hospital left for Iraq. He plans to assess the health of employees from Hyundai Engineering & Construction and their partner companies.

Collaboration for Health Protection

St. Mary’s Hospital is the first institution in South Korea to send a medical team abroad. This initiative addresses the growing concerns about the health of Korean workers in Iraq. The concerns arose due to increasing COVID-19 cases.

Earlier, in July, St. Mary’s Hospital, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, and PuzzleAI signed a memorandum of understanding. This agreement allowed them to offer remote health consultation services for workers abroad. They have provided consultations for over 100 workers. This support included COVID-19 prevention education and guidance for handling confirmed cases.

As the COVID-19 infection rate rose in Iraq, collaboration became essential. Hyundai Engineering and St. Mary’s Hospital jointly decided to send medical staff. The team includes specialists in infectious diseases and trained nurses. Their goal is to implement strict health measures by reviewing local health protocols. They will also provide necessary training to local medical staff.

Professor Lee Dong-Geun, the leader of the medical team, stated, “We will carefully assess the health of South Korean workers abroad. Our goal is to promote psychological well-being among them. We aim to work effectively with local medical personnel and improve the healthcare system in Iraq.”

Kim Yong-Sik, the CEO of St. Mary’s Hospital, emphasized their commitment to healthcare. “We have utilized our remote healthcare and artificial intelligence technologies effectively. We provide consultations for overseas residents and workers smoothly. Expanding our online services to offline support will enhance Korea’s healthcare reputation. We prioritize the value of life above all.”

The medical team plans to conduct health assessments for workers and implement preventive measures for COVID-19. They aim to share successful K-healthcare strategies with local health authorities. This mission reflects St. Mary’s Hospital’s commitment to ensuring the health of all South Korean workers abroad.