Unification ministry plans to send over 1,400 medical items to Pyongyang hospital

The Unification Ministry in South Korea is preparing to send a substantial aid package to a hospital in Pyongyang, North Korea, as part of a humanitarian medical support initiative. According to a document obtained by Rep. Kim Dae-sik of the People Power Party, over 1,400 medical items, totaling 166 different categories, are planned for shipment. These items are crucial for diagnosis, surgery, and treatment.

The medical equipment includes automated external defibrillators, a range of diagnostic tools such as X-ray machines, stethoscopes, and blood pressure monitors, as well as operating tables and other surgical and treatment equipment. The selection of these items was made in collaboration with the Korea Foundation for International Healthcare and medical experts. However, the plan remains contingent on further discussions with North Korea, which may result in modifications to the initial list.

The estimated cost of this aid package is approximately US$6.75 million. In May, the Unification Ministry secured a sanctions exemption from the U.N. Security Council's North Korea sanctions committee, enabling the provision of this equipment. As inter-Korean exchanges and dialogue channels remain active, this humanitarian effort aims to alleviate medical needs within the isolated nation.