| Category | Hospital/Research Institute |
|---|---|
| Country | Korea |
| Address | 304, Banpo-daero, Seocho-gu, Seoul 137-909 Rep. of KOREA |
| ehanvit@ehanvit.org | |
| URL | http://www.hansenkorea.org/ |
The Korean Leprosy Prevention Association was established on September 3, 1948 and the Institute for Leprosy Research on June 22, 1976. On July 27, 2000, the Korean Leprosy Prevention Association was renamed the Korean Hansen Welfare Association. It is now the Federation of Hansen Welfare Associations.
National Leprosy Control
The Korean Hansen Welfare Association (KHWA) is responsible for coordinating leprosy control activities, managing the activities of 11 city and provincial branches and NGOs (Non-Government Organizations). The association is also in charge of the central registry, which was transferred from the government in 1977. Here statistics on leprosy are analysed, and bacillary negative patients are identified from amongst the registered patients so they can return to the community as soon as possible.
OutPatient Department (CLINIC)
The outpatient clinics attached to the Institute for Leprosy Research (ILR) are maintained for the detection of early cases of leprosy. Registered patients are under medical care for leprosy or complicated diseases here.In-Patient Care
In the medical clinic attached to the Institute for Leprosy Research (ILR), there are 29 beds, modern medical materials and various medical testing equipment. Newly infected patients, ulcer patients who are difficult to care for at home, and patients in need of reconstructive surgery are hospitalised. There is an operating room, a laboratory, a physiotherapy section, an ulcer treatment room, a radiation room, and a nurses station for the patients.
Rehabilitation Service
Since 1989, reconstructive surgery has been provided for those who cannot obtain surgery at a privately-run hospital. The demand for this is increasing every year. The rehabilitation service focuses on reconstructive surgery and orthopaedics, plastic surgery, ophthalmology and prostheses. Improvements brought about by reconstructive surgery and social rehabilitation are designed to accelerate the patient's return to the community.
Epidemiological Study, Education and Training
Immunisation tests and biochemical tests are performed for inpatients and registered patients at the Institution for Leprosy Research of the KHWA. Leprosy control workers and health workers have been trained continuously (10 classes in a year) in order to improve their ability and efficiency. The Institution for Leprosy Research is active in introducing the work of Korean leprosy control overseas and it also participates in international conferences and seminars.
Public Education
KHWA carries out public health education activities and develops public education on leprosy by publishing, every alternative month, a periodical called "BokJi magazine", which is delivered to all provincial branches. Other printed materials, audiovisual tapes and mass media systems are also distributed. In particular, KHWA is doing its best to attain public cooperation through public education.
Entry updated February 2016