Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital said Friday it has sealed an agreement with Royal Hospital in Sharjah of the United Arab Emirates for a joint operation, paving way for advancement into the Middle East.

The two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on March 23.

The ceremony was attended by H.H Sheikh Faisal bin Khalid Mohammad Al Qasimi, the chairman of Royal Hospital, Robinder Singh MD, the CEO of Royal Hospital, Dr. Park Moon-seo, the secretary-general of Incheon Catholic Education Foundation and Dr. Kim Jun-sig, the president of Catholic Kwandong University International St. Mary’s Hospital.

Under the memorandum, the South Korean hospital is introducing a new international cooperation model by jointly operating services rather than just being consigned with management as with most cases overseas, hospital officials said. Such a method ensures lower risk and higher profitability.

“We plan to dispatch medical personnel to Royal Hospital where they will set up an independent operation system,” the hospital said. The South Korean medical staff will also form a mutual operation committee with the Royal Hospital and participate in major decision-making processes, they explained.

The plan is to open three departments -- medical check-up, rehabilitation and dermatology – in as early as mid-May. The second stage will involve opening units for obstetrics, gynecology and anesthesiology.

The two sides also agreed to establish a beauty center there, modeled after the one at the International St. Mary’s Hospital’s Medical Theme Park.

“It is hoped that through the two countries’ exchange and cooperation, we can … contribute to national interests by advancing overseas in the health, medical and education fields,” said Dr. Park Moon-seo.

(khnews@heraldcorp.com)