Enhancing Healthcare Access: TMC Iloilo launches ‘Korean Care and Assistance Hub’

Known as “City of Love” and a beacon of inclusivity, this city has been a home to different international partnerships, and hence, opening its doors to many foreign nationalities including Koreans. First in its field, The Medical City (TMC) Iloilo pioneers in this initiative as it continuously fosters fellowship and inclusion to Korean partner patients through its Korean Care and Assistance Hub launched on July 1, 2024.

In partnership with the Iloilo Korean United Community Association Incorporated, TMC Iloilo launches a customer service initiative that specifically caters to Korean citizens residing in Western Visayas and neighboring areas who are in need of medical assistance.

Mr. Terry Kim, Chairman of the Iloilo Korean United Community Association Incorporated, shared his enthusiasm towards this great collaboration between their organization and TMC Iloilo. He asserted that “this not just our desire, but our dream to have a Korean Care Hub in Iloilo City. We really appreciate the partnership that we have with TMC Iloilo. This is just the beginning for us to strengthen not just our relationship, but also the kind of care, service and interaction.”

Breaking the barriers of communication and misinformation, relevant TMC Iloilo hospital services are innovated to particularly aid the medical needs of Korean patient partners in the language that they best understand.

TMC Iloilo Korean Care Hub Specialists composed of Red Coat Ambassadors, concierge staff, and admitting personnel have undergone basic training on conversing using the Korean language, which gives them proficiency in assisting Korean patient partners in their Emergency Room admissions, discharge processes, and outpatient services availment.

Directional signages and essential medical forms are also translated in Hangul to ensure data accuracy and provide ease in the process of filling out forms such as patient information forms, medical prescriptions, Operating Room forms, and informed consent forms.

For further assistance, Korean patient partners are also provided with an OPD Korean Convenience Lane at TMC Iloilo Clinic at Festive Walk Iloilo and an exclusive and dedicated reception area at the TMC Iloilo hospital. Throughout the whole process, from asking for assistance until the patient is discharged from the hospital, TMC Iloilo Korean Care and Assistance Hub facilitates a seamless medical transaction.

“This initiative proves the steadfast commitment of TMC Iloilo towards continuous innovations and developments, and I am so pleased that the TMC value of compassion extends beyond the Filipino people as it will be delivered to our Korean partners as well,” says Dr. Felix Ray Villa, TMC Iloilo Chief Executive Officer. (TMCI)