Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

The state will take responsibility for injured soldiers to the end

He encouraged medical staff treating emergency patients injured in a traffic accident

Minister Shin met and encouraged a soldier who underwent reconstructive surgery due to a land mine explosion

On October 18, Defense Minister Shin, Wonsik (second on the left) visits the Armed Forces Capital Hospital in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do and meets and encourages Sergeant Pyo Jeong-ho (far left) who was being treated after being injured on duty. Provided by Defense Ministry

Defense Minister Shin, Wonsik visited the Armed Forces Capital Hospital in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do on October 18, and expressed his appreciation to the medical staff who are dedicated to duty and encouraged patients.

He received a briefing on the general status of the Armed Forces Capital Hospital. He said, “I feel assured and grateful about the medical staff who are maintaining 24-hour emergency readiness,” and asked them to lead the growth of a trauma treatment system in Korea by further developing the trauma center, which opened last year.

Minister Shin praised military medical officers of the hospital including Lieutenant Colonel Moon Gi-ho, Lieutenant Colonel Jeong Seong-yeop and Major Noh Hyeon-seok, who treated people who were seriously injured after a 1-ton truck slammed into them at Moran Market in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do on October 12.

A patient from the accident had arteries and veins completely ruptured above the knee of the left leg, and unless an operation was not performed in a timely manner and the patient failed to achieve revascularization, the entire leg was to be amputated. Medical staff including Lieutenant Colonel Moon succeeded in the extremely difficult operation to temporarily connect ruptured blood vessels using fluid strings, and restored the health of the patient.

Lieutenant Colonel Moon also successfully conducted reconstructive surgery on the heel of Sergeant Pyo, who was injured due to a land mine explosion at a frontline unit in October last year. Sergeant Pyo is now being hospitalized.

Minister Shin told the medical staff members, “I am proud of all of you who are dedicated to restoring the health of fellow soldiers and citizens at this medical front. I urge you to assure injured soldiers that they can fully recover here.” Additionally, Minister Shin spoke to Sergeant Pyo and other patients, saying, “It's regrettable that you sustained injuries while serving the nation and its people. I am both proud and grateful for your resilience in enduring and overcoming the challenging treatment and rehabilitation process.” He continued, “The state will take responsibility for soldiers injured during military service,” and expressed his hope for their swift recovery.

A-mi, jo <joajoa@dema.mil.kr>

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