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As extreme heat waves drive a surge in heat-related illnesses across Korea, Samsung Electronics has announced the launch of its AI-powered personalized health management service, "AI Health Coach," in the United States within this year. Rising Heat-Related Health Concerns According to the latest statistics from Korea's Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients seeking medical treatment for heat-related illnesses (disease code T67) has significantly increased compared to the previous year. With consecutive days of temperatures exceeding 35°C (95°F) throughout July, cases of heat stroke and heat exhaustion have risen dramatically. Medical professionals emphasize that "heat-related illnesses during summer can be completely prevented with appropriate preventive measures," stressing the importance of basic health management including proper hydration, adequat...

A study by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs revealed that the annual cost of regional patients traveling to the Seoul metropolitan area for medical treatment reached 4.6 trillion won in 2023. This staggering figure highlights the severe healthcare imbalance caused by insufficient medical capabilities in regional healthcare institutions. Structural Problems in Regional Healthcare Systems The primary reason regional patients seek treatment in the capital area stems from the shortage of specialized medical professionals and lack of advanced medical equipment in regional healthcare facilities. Particularly for severe illnesses or complex surgeries, patients often cannot receive adequate treatment locally. Consequently, patients must bear additional costs including transportation, accommodation, and caregiving expenses. Family members frequently accompany patients during treatment periods, further exacerbating the economic burden...

President Lee Jae-myung nominated Jung Eun-kyung, former director of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), as the new Minister of Health and Welfare on June 29. The appointment of Jung, who spearheaded South Korea's COVID-19 response, has been welcomed by the medical community as a potential solution to ongoing conflicts between the government and healthcare professionals. Recognition of COVID-19 Leadership and Expertise The presidential office explained that Jung's nomination was based on her demonstrated policy execution capabilities and communication skills during the COVID-19 crisis. As a medical doctor with extensive public health experience, Jung became the first director of the KDCA when it was elevated from the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2020. During the pandemic's early stages, Jung became a familiar face to the Korean public through daily briefings where she explained complex medical concepts in accessible langu...