By Soh Ji-young
Staff Reporter

South Korean officials are holding negotiations with Harvard Medical School on the creation of an international hospital in the free economic zone in Inchon, west of Seoul, according to the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

``We are having talks with Harvard officials concerning the ways in which the U.S. institution could establish a ‘Northeast Asian hub hospital’ in the Inchon free economic zone,’’ a ministry official said.

``We are also in contact with the Medical College of Pennsylvania for similar purposes, he added.

Previously, Health and Welfare Minister Kim Hwa-joong had said in a special lecture that Harvard is ``active in expressing its intentions ‘’ to advance into Korea and that she is optimistic that ``good results will be gained by the end of this year.’’

Ministry officials said that Harvard had set some preconditions, such as allowing the treatment of Koreans in their facilities and the education of local doctors and medical students.

The world-class hospital also reportedly expressed hope in providing medical support for the underprivileged living in the country.

The ministry said that it plans to encourage the nation’s major conglomerates, such as Samsung and Hyundai, which own large hospitals, to participate in the international hospital project.

If that happens, the foreign medical college would be likely to provide a key medical workforce of some 50 doctors, while Korean companies would supply hospital facilities and supplementary medical staff.

The U.S.-based Mayo Clinic, famous for its one-stop medical services, is also considering setting up in Korea, but the possibility of an imminent deal is not high.

The ministry is attempting to set up a world-class medical facility for foreigners in the Inchon free economic zone by attracting skilled medical staff from around the world.

But it has so far taken a cautious attitude to the hospital project, as it is not willing to allow Koreans to use international medical facilities, worrying that it might have a negative effect on the local medical service system.

Johns Hopkins Hospital, previously one of the key candidates for participation in the envisioned hospital, said last week it has no immediate plans to take part in the project.

jysoh@koreatimes.co.kr