Ministry of National Defense Republic of Korea

Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo sends letter of encouragement to medical staff and soldiers at the military hospitals in Daejeon and Daegu
“We are impressed by your noble sacrifice”

On May 4, Minister of National Defense Jeong Kyeong-doo praised the hard work of the military medical staff and soldiers who had been working with dedication in the national infectious disease hospitals.

“I would like to express my thanks to the medical staff and soldiers who devoted themselves and served to protect the lives and health of our people on the front lines of the non-military security threat of the 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19),” Jeong said, in a letter of encouragement that was sent to medical staff and soldiers at the military hospitals in Daejeon and Daegu.

The military hospitals in Daejeon and Daegu were designated as institutions specializing in the national infectious disease on February 20 and February 23, respectively. The two hospitals successfully provided support for inpatient treatment of patients confirmed with COVID-19. The ministry lifted the designation of the military hospitals on the 28th of April.

“Your noble spirit of self-sacrifice and strong sense of vocation, answering the call from the people, have impressed our people and our soldiers,” Jeong said, adding “Your sacrifice and hard work give our country the great strength needed to overcome COVID-19 together and get back to a healthy, normal life.”

Specifically, he stressed that “Despite having a greater risk of infection than anywhere else and the difficulty of your living conditions, you have performed your duties — treating the confirmed patients, collecting samples, Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) - without complaints, putting your safety second. Thanks to your dedication and sacrifice, about 360 people who received inpatient treatment could regain their health and get back to their normal lives, at home and in the community.”

He also asked them to continue to be fully committed to the maintenance of the readiness posture for any additional support in the COVID-19 crisis while striving to normalize medical treatment for soldiers as the designation of the military hospitals was lifted.

Ending the letter, Jeong wrote: “I would like to offer my praise to the soldiers at the military hospitals in Daejeon and Daegu for their dedication. I hope the hospitals will be loved and trusted by the people by providing the best medical service based on dedication and commitment to the people. I wish you all the best of health.”

By Byeong-No, Yun <trylover@dema.mil.kr >
<Copyright ⓒ The Korea Defense Daily, All rights reserved>