Gyeonggi-do unfolds humane medical support in Uzbekistan

The Gyeonggi-do government has supported medical aid in Uzbekistan from Sept. 5 to 16 in association with the Junior Chamber International (JCI) and Ajou University Hospital.

This is the fourth support project promoted in underdeveloped countries by Gyeonggi-do. Previous projects were promoted in Mongolia, East Timor and Russia.

Uzbekistan tops other CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States) of having the most Korean residents counting up to about 230 thousand. Most of them having a painful past of moving to the country by the CIS deportation policy back in 1930. Korean residents in Uzbekistan now not only undergo economic difficulties but also are losing national identities and pride as the Korean language and culture fading out from their lives.

Medical treatment and consolatory performance at social welfare faculties were given in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, and nearby districts where many Korean residents live.

The medical support team is made up of 17 people including two doctors and two nurses and the first party was dispatched on Sept. 1.

Project details includes free eye surgeries to about 50 cataract patients and a consolatory performance to celebrate the Korean Thanksgiving holiday was held also. Traditional Korean clothes and TVs were donated to two senior facilities and two child centers. TVs donated have satellite antennas installed to enable Korean channels.

A Gyeonggi-do official remarked, “Korea and Gyeonggi-do are promoting support projects in underdeveloped countries to uplift its international image. Projects in Mongolia, East Timor and Russia are focused on expanding social foundation facilities but the project in Uzbekistan was focused on recovering the national identity of Korean residents abroad and providing medical treatment.”