The Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), which operates under South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare, is actively advancing the nation’s healthcare sector and expanding its global partnerships. The institute is focused on integrating cutting-edge technologies and fostering international collaborations to enhance healthcare services.

The Korean government has implemented a comprehensive national health strategy that emphasizes prevention, early diagnosis, precision treatment, and post-care. This strategy incorporates artificial intelligence and big data analytics to improve the quality and efficiency of healthcare offerings. According to the Korean National Cancer Information Centre, South Korea has achieved remarkable cancer recovery rates from 2018 to 2022, reporting a 100% recovery rate for thyroid cancer, 96.4% for prostate cancer, and 94.3% for breast cancer.

The President of KHIDI highlighted the institute’s commitment to strengthening partnerships with the UAE, particularly in areas such as knowledge transfer, advanced therapeutic technologies, and the development of proton and heavy ion therapy centres in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. He emphasized the need for expanded cooperation in clinical trials, Emiratising medical technologies, and creating professional training programmes for healthcare personnel in both nations.

A UAE media delegation attended BIO KOREA 2025, South Korea’s largest health and pharmaceutical trade exhibition, which took place in Seoul under the theme “Innovation and Collaboration: Building the Future Together.” The three-day event featured participation from over 750 companies globally, showcasing the latest innovations in biotechnology, especially those driven by AI and emerging technologies.

The exhibition highlighted advanced health solutions, including anti-aging therapies, AI-driven diagnostics, and next-generation treatments. The delegation also visited several of Korea’s leading hospitals and specialized medical centres in Seoul and Gijang, focusing on oncology, cosmetic medicine, and comprehensive care.

During their visit to Seoul National University Hospital, the delegation learned about advanced radiation therapies, including high-precision systems like TrueBeam and Elekta. Specialists discussed the benefits of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) in improving treatment outcomes while minimizing complications.

The tour continued at the Gijang Heavy Ion Particle Therapy Centre, one of Korea’s premier cancer treatment facilities, where the delegation was informed about the use of heavy ion therapy for treating complex tumors according to strict clinical protocols. At the National Cancer Information Centre, researchers are employing AI-enhanced proton and heavy ion therapy to improve diagnostic accuracy and customize treatment plans based on extensive cancer data sets.

The centre utilizes Bragg Peak-based proton therapy to precisely target tumors, thereby reducing damage to surrounding healthy tissue, making it especially suitable for tumors located near vital organs. At Samsung Medical Centre (SMC), the UAE delegation received insights into the effectiveness of proton therapy compared to traditional radiation techniques, particularly for resistant tumors. Furthermore, Yonsei University Severance Hospital showcased carbon ion therapy, one of the most advanced cancer treatments available globally, which employs carbon particles that are 12 times heavier than protons to achieve precise DNA damage in cancer cells through the Bragg Peak.

This treatment is currently available in Japan and Germany and is typically outpatient-based, providing high patient comfort with minimal side effects. The delegation’s tour concluded at the Lee Moon Won Korean Medicine Clinic in Seoul’s Gangnam district, which specializes in dermatology and displayed non-surgical cosmetic procedures, including laser treatments and AI-personalized skincare solutions.