[Mokpo National Hospital: 63-year History and Achievements with Tuberculosis].

OBJECTIVES

Through an analysis of the 63-year history and achievements of the National Mokpo Hospital, this study aimed to highlight the excellence of tuberculosis treatment, raise social awareness of tuberculosis management, and re-examine the position and role of the hospital as a key institution in efforts to control tuberculosis.

METHODS

This study was prepared using annual reports published by the National Mokpo Hospital, as well as relevant research papers and literature reviews.

RESULTS

Mokpo National Hospital was founded in 1962 as the “Mokpo Children’s Tuberculosis Hospital”, jointly by foreign aid organizations and Mokpo City, and was re-organized and promoted to a national hospital in 1983. It continues to play a role as a national institution, including the first “integrated nursing and care service” among national hospitals and the “integrated treatment and care support project” linked to long-term care facilities.

CONCLUSIONS

Mokpo National Hospital has established a medical safety net for people with a low-income, treatment for the vulnerable, and intensive management of patients who are difficult to manage in the private sector, such as patients with tuberculosis who are difficult to treat, and also the training of experts in the treatment of tuberculosis. The establishment of the “Mokpo National Hospital specialized in Multi-resistant Tuberculosis (2027)” is planned for advanced treatment and management of patients who have developed resistance to tuberculosis drugs. In the future, we will continue to take the lead in laying the foundation for the early eradication of tuberculosis by strengthening publicity, education, treatment, and research, to discover the vulnerabilities of tuberculosis infection.