Korea University Medical Center Pioneers ESG Management

As ESG management becomes a core value in the healthcare sector, Korea University Medical Center showcased its role as a leading institution in ESG management by participating in the '2024 Seoul Health Show' held from the 14th to the 16th.

The 2024 Seoul Health Show was held over three days at Seoul Plaza in front of Seoul City Hall. Korea University Medical Center participated with the theme "ESG First Mover, KU Medicine!" and conducted various interactive events and activities with citizens, such as ▲ESG management and carbon neutrality ▲medical sign language interpretation ▲upcycling in the medical field. These included sign language education sessions and talk concerts.

Specifically, on the first day, the events included the "ESG Sustainable Management and Carbon Neutrality Report Presentation" and the "Medical Waste Sterilization and Shredding Demonstration and Talk Concert." The demonstration of the country's first mobile medical waste sterilization and shredding equipment garnered significant attention from attendees.

On the second day, the center hosted "Medical Sign Language Education with Citizens" and an "ESG Talk Concert on the Need for Medical Sign Language Interpreters," aiming to raise social awareness about the necessity of medical sign language interpretation.

Deaf patients often face difficulties throughout their entire experience at medical institutions, from making appointments to receiving care. However, only some hospitals in the country provide sign language interpretation services. Since September of last year, Korea University Anam Hospital, under Korea University Medical Center, has employed two sign language interpreters to support deaf patients through every step of their medical journey, from making appointments to receiving treatments and handling payments, with the so-called "KUM Medical Sign Language Interpretation Service." The sign language education session held at the event drew significant empathy and participation from many citizens.

On the final day, the event featured a "PET Bottle Upcycling Experience," promoting resource recycling of PET bottles and polyester clothing.

Ahn Hyo-Hyun, the Director of Social Contribution Projects, is presenting Korea University Medical Center's ESG initiatives at the Seoul Health Show.

Korea University Medical Center also held an event to commemorate the release of the country's first ESG Sustainable Management Report and Carbon Neutral Strategy Report for the second consecutive year.

The KUM-ESG indicators developed by Korea University Medical Center are unique metrics applicable to domestic medical institutions. These indicators align with internationally recognized sustainability reporting standards such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards, the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI). Additionally, the indicators are tailored to the realities of domestic medical institutions by emphasizing areas like K-ESG, patient-friendly management, and community contribution. These are anticipated to serve as a guideline for ESG practices in Korean medical institutions.

Yoon Eul-Sik, Vice President for Medical Affairs, stated, "Korea University Medical Center is a socially responsible medical institution that leads future healthcare and practices sustainable ESG management at the forefront. As our mission emphasizes the value of life and the pursuit of a healthy life for humanity, we will continue to lead as a First Mover towards becoming the best social, medical institution."

Ahn Hyo-Hyun, Director of Social Contribution Projects, added, "Korea University Medical Center is committed to improving healthcare accessibility for the deaf by hiring sign language interpreters and is also dedicated to carbon neutrality by participating in the Ministry of Environment's demonstration project. We have begun trial operations of the country's first mobile medical waste sterilization and shredding facilities at Anam, Guro, and Ansan Hospitals, striving to achieve the best environmental practices.