AMCHAM explores future of Korea’s patient-centered health care system

American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) Chairman James Kim, front row sixth from left, poses with participants of the AMCHAM Healthcare Innovation Seminar at Four Seasons Hotel Seoul, Tuesday. Courtesy of AMCHAM

By Park Jae-hyuk

The American Chamber of Commerce in Korea (AMCHAM) hosted the 15th annual AMCHAM Healthcare Innovation Seminar on Tuesday to discuss ways to collaborate for the future of Korea’s health care system with businesspeople, lawmakers and government officials of both countries.

The Korea Alliance of Patients Organization also participated in the event to emphasize the critical importance and urgency of establishing patient-centered health care systems.

“By leveraging Korea’s leadership in health care technology, exceptional talent and strong government support driving its rapid advancements with the United States’ excellence in research, innovation and care solutions, we can build a health care system that prioritizes patient needs while driving global innovation,” AMCHAM Chairman James Kim said in his opening remarks.

U.S. Ambassador to Korea Philip Goldberg underscored the critical role of the Korea-U.S. collaboration in advancing health care innovation.

“Continued cooperation on health care and health care innovation will continue strengthening the U.S.-ROK alliance,” he said. “I’m confident that together we can meet today’s challenges and advance innovation for a healthier, more resilient future.”

Rep. Park Ju-min of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea, who chairs the National Assembly’s Health and Welfare Committee, also highlighted the importance of collaboration.

“Advancing research and development in related industries, along with stronger government support, is key to realizing patient-centered health care and improving the health and well-being of people in both nations,” he said. “The National Assembly is fully committed to fostering deeper collaboration between Korea and the U.S. to achieve these shared goals.”

In a written congratulatory address, Health and Welfare Minister Cho Kyu-hong stated that the fundamental purpose of health care is to safeguard and enhance the lives and health of the people, and achieving this requires a patient-centered system.

The seminar’s industry session focused on the intersection of advanced technologies and policy innovation, allowing Moderna Korea, Bristol Myers Squibb Korea and Baxter Korea to share innovative strategies to enhance patient engagement and access to care.

The seminar also featured two panel discussion sessions, which explored strategies for building a patient-centered health care environment, the role of industry in improving patient access and the importance of collaboration to drive innovation and establish a sustainable patient-centered health care ecosystem.