Korea University Institute for Environmental Medicine hosts Uzbekistan Ministry of Health delegation for institutional visit and strategic discussions

The Institute for Environmental Medicine at Korea University (Director: Professor Jae Wook Choi, Department of Preventive Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine) hosted a delegation from the Ministry of Health of Uzbekistan for a roundtable discussion and institutional visit program at Korea University Medical Center and the College of Medicine.

The Uzbekistan delegation comprised seven senior officials, including Deputy Minister of Health Farkhodjon Tashpulatov, along with key representatives responsible for finance and economics, foreign investment and grant coordination, project management, procurement, and international cooperation. The delegation was welcomed by Korea University representatives, including Dean Sung Bom Pyun of the College of Medicine, Director Jae Wook Choi of the Institute for Environmental Medicine, and Research Professor Kyung Hee Kim.

During the visit, the delegation toured major clinical departments and the Cancer Center at Korea University Anam Hospital, where they observed the hospital’s integrated clinical care, medical education, and research operations. This was followed by a visit to the College of Medicine, including a meeting with the Dean and an institutional overview session. The delegation was introduced to Korea University’s medical education system, research infrastructure, and international collaboration initiatives, and expressed particular interest in the structural strengths of its integrated medical system, which seamlessly connects the hospital, medical school, and research institute.

Korea University College of Medicine has maintained active collaboration with Uzbekistan through a range of initiatives. These include feasibility studies for the Uzbekistan National Cancer Center and the establishment of a medical school supported by the Economic Development Cooperation Fund (EDCF); assistance in establishing and operating environmental health departments at Tashkent Medical Academy (TMA) and Karakalpak Medical Academy (KMA); and advisory support for infectious disease response during the COVID-19 pandemic. These collaborative efforts have enabled Korea University to develop a comprehensive understanding of Uzbekistan’s healthcare system and medical education landscape. The current official visit provided a valuable opportunity to reaffirm existing partnerships and further strengthen mutual cooperation.

Dean Sung Bom Pyun stated, “Korea University College of Medicine has established a highly integrated medical system that closely links clinical practice, research, and education. We hope this visit will serve as a meaningful opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and expand collaboration in healthcare and medical education between our two countries.”

Director Jae Wook Choi added, “Through multiple collaborative initiatives, we have gained in-depth insight into Uzbekistan’s healthcare system from diverse perspectives. We hope this meeting will facilitate productive discussions and help define future directions for bilateral cooperation.”

Deputy Minister Farkhodjon Tashpulatov remarked, “The hospital operational structure and medical education model in Korea closely align with Uzbekistan’s vision for healthcare modernization. We hope this visit will further promote the exchange of knowledge and strengthen cooperation between our institutions.”