Healthcare facility, Korea Medical Institute, gains World Health Organization's recognition as a health-promoting hospital.
The Korea Medical Institute (KMI) has recently received official certification from the World Health Organization's Health Promoting Hospitals and Health Services (WHO-HPH) network, marking a significant step in its commitment to community health promotion and sustainable health strategies.
With this certification, which is valid through 2028, KMI aims to broaden its focus beyond managing the health of patients and staff. The institute plans to support health promotion in the broader community, aligning with the WHO-HPH program's evaluation of healthcare providers for international standards in health promotion, which includes community wellness efforts beyond medical treatment.
One of KMI's key initiatives is providing free medical checkups for vulnerable groups through its eight nationwide medical centers. The institute also organises public health campaigns aimed at improving community wellness, and operates a volunteer group named the 'KMI-rang Volunteer Corps', which actively engages in community health promotion activities.
KMI's strategies also include unique activities such as plogging events (picking up litter while jogging) across Korea, from Seoul to Jeju Island, promoting physical activity and environmental health. The institute has also conducted tree-planting initiatives in Mongolia’s Terelj National Park as part of efforts to support carbon neutrality and environmental preservation.
Beyond patient care and staff health management, these strategies reflect KMI’s expanded focus on broader community health promotion and sustainable health strategies. KMI also expresses commitment to sharing best practices globally and enhancing access to their uniquely Korean medical check-up system in collaboration with domestic and international institutions.
Established in 1985, KMI has been at the forefront of healthcare innovation for over three decades. With this latest certification, the institute continues to demonstrate its dedication to promoting health and wellness not just within its facilities, but also in the wider community.
[1] KMI's official website: www.kmi.or.kr [3] WHO-HPH program website: www.who.int/hph
[1] Given the expanded focus on community health promotion and sustainable health strategies, KMI plans to delve deeper into environmental science, aligning its activities with climate change initiatives.
[2] In addition to medical-conditions and health-and-wellness, KMI intends to contribute significantly to the environment by launching various projects such as tree-planting and eco-friendly events like plogging, promoting health not only for individuals but also for the planet.