Before signing a milestone pact with the Korean government on Friday, Abu Dhabi health envoys visited the four hospitals that will be at the forefront in the treatment of patients from the Arabic state.

The four hospitals are Seoul National University Hospital, Samsung Seoul Hospital, Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital and Asan Medical Center.

On Thursday morning, they spared time to experience the state-of-the-art health checkup at the Seoul National University Hospital Healthcare System Gangnam Center in southern Seoul. In the afternoon, the team visited the hospital in northern Seoul to see the facilities, as well as meet management and doctors.

They watched a promotional video about the hospital in Arabic and visited the international healthcare center, then looked around the main facilities. They attended a presentation about of the hospitals’ facilities including cardiovascular center, laparoscopic surgeries and Da Vinci robotic surgeries.

“This is my first visit to the country. I am looking forward to entering into relationship with leading health facilities,” said Mohammed Sultan Al Hameli, chairman of the Health Authority-Abu Dhabi.

After being briefed about translational scientists collaborating and influencing medical experts of other countries, he inquired about the staff’s overall level of international collaboration. What he was also curious about was the patient reference system, which is the key to securing the safety and convenience of his country’s nationals.

“Some high-profile leaders in our country have visited Korea for treatment. Our crown prince, foreign minister and others have visited the country,” he said, adding that the logistics, specialties, rich history and size of the institution were highly impressive.

The chief of the health authority also expressed willingness to enhance collaboration between the two countries as well as the hospitals in terms of workforce training.

“We are looking for collaboration in human capital knowledge, too. It will be the second stage of boosting the ties. There is a limited number of medical schools in my country and we hope to explore more in the area with others,” he said.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldcorp.com)