Sahmyook Medical Center’s Visionary Mission in Sri Lanka
In a commendable effort to bring hope and vision back to the lives of many, Sahmyook Medical Center, based in Seoul, South Korea, carried out an impactful medical mission in the scenic town of Kandy, Sri Lanka. During a five-day initiative from July 7 to 11, a dedicated team from the medical center embarked on a journey to restore sight to those in dire need, performing a staggering 88 cataract surgeries at the Lakeside Adventist Hospital.
Addressing the Burden of Cataracts
The mission, led by Shin SeungJoo, the head of the Ophthalmology Department, was critical, given the severity of the cataract problem faced by the locals. The patients, many of whom had advanced cataracts, struggled with daily activities due to impaired vision, with some nearly blind. The visiting team, composed of Shin and three nurses, stepped in to bridge the gap in the local medical capacity, handling up to 20 cataract surgeries each day. This feat was a beacon of light for the beneficiaries, who had limited access to such treatments within their community.
More than Just Surgeries: A Life-changing Impact
Cataracts might be resolved with a straightforward surgical procedure, but in areas lacking sufficient medical facilities and personnel, such a solution can seem unreachable. Shin SeungJoo emphasized that their mission transcended beyond the mere removal of cataracts. “It was about restoring a patient’s entire life,” explained Shin. This sentiment was echoed through the smiles and renewed hope in the eyes of post-operative patients, illustrating the profound impact of the medical team's work.
Contributing to Better Medical Infrastructure
During the mission, Sahmyook Medical Center not only offered their surgical expertise but also contributed vital ophthalmic surgical equipment, including a phacoemulsification machine and an ultrafast sterilizer, bolstering the local hospital's infrastructure. This endeavor followed a sisterhood agreement established with Lakeside Adventist Hospital the previous year, setting a foundation for ongoing support to enhance healthcare delivery in the region.
Continuation of a Legacy of Care
This was not Sahmyook Medical Center’s first venture into Sri Lanka. Back in 2024, the center orchestrated another medical mission in Colombo, where they set up a temporary clinic, extending healthcare to 384 patients. The mission included donations of crucial medical devices such as an electrocardiograph and an ultrasound therapy unit. Such initiatives have consistently forged a strong bond of trust and collaboration between Sahmyook Medical Center and the local communities in Sri Lanka.
Overcoming Adversities and Embracing Triumphs
Medical missions in international settings are fraught with challenges, not least of which are unfamiliar environments and language barriers. Yet, the rewards for the team were profound. Participating nurse Kim EunJin reflected on the experience, noting the emotional triumphs witnessed when patients experienced restored vision. “Seeing them regain not only their sight but also their hope for life reminded me of my calling as a healthcare professional,” she remarked, underscoring the deep human connection forged during the mission.
A Collaborative Global Effort
This impactful mission was organized under the banner of All to Heaven, an international nongovernmental organization that successfully convened 110 volunteers from ten different countries. The volunteer assembly included an array of skilled professionals — 12 physicians, seven dentists, and 20 nurses among them — with Sahmyook Medical Center contributing significantly with a seven-member cataract surgery team. The collaborative effort from 36 Korean participants and additional international volunteers was instrumental in delivering critical medical services, showcasing the profound impact of global healthcare partnerships.
Sahmyook Medical Center’s mission in Sri Lanka stands as a testament to the power of collective action in transforming lives through visionary care. The legacy of these missions hints at a continued dedication to breaking down barriers in global health, ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to life-changing medical interventions.
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