SNU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital
On March 28, SNU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital (VMTH) held an opening ceremony for its new emergency medical center. The new center is a realization of the recent decision made by Seoul Metropolitan Government, which designated SNU VMTH as the official institution to provide medical treatment to abandoned animals in emergency situations.
The center will operate 24/7, meaning that animals can now receive the help they need even during off-hours and on national holidays. The center will also offer medical assistance to animals suffering from illnesses that local animal shelters cannot deal with. After receiving treatment, animals will be sent back to their original shelters, increasing the chances of their being accepted into a new family once they are healthy.
President of Ajou University Hospital Regional Emergency Medical Center, Lee Gook Jong, who gained national fame in late 2017 with his treatment of a wounded North Korean soldier, gave the opening lecture. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi’s famous words, “the greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated,” Lee stressed the importance of boldly persevering in the harsh environment of emergency medical treatment. He also advised that the Center should work to build a solid network with local institutions, as its objective should be to not only provide medical services but also ensure that the furry patients quickly get back to their families.
Written by Chae Hyun Kim, SNU English Editor, michelle25@snu.ac.kr
Reviewed by Professor Travis Smith, Department of Asian Languages and Civilizations, tlsmith@snu.ac.kr