Blue Cross Medical Volunteer Corps: Bringing Healthcare to Underserved Communities

For nearly three decades, the Blue Cross Medical Volunteer Corps of the Seongsanjang Memorial Foundation has been dedicated to providing medical care to those with limited access, both domestically and internationally. Founded in 1997 to honor the legacy of Dr. Jang Ki-ryeo, the organization continues to expand its reach and impact, recently receiving the grand prize at the 42nd Boryeong Medical Service Award.

A Legacy of Service

The Blue Cross Medical Volunteer Corps originated from the wishes of Dr. Jang Ki-ryeo, known as the “Schweitzer of Korea.” The organization has grown from a small group to a large-scale operation involving approximately 200 medical staff and over 5,000 volunteers, including students and general supporters. A notable aspect of the organization is the strong presence of family volunteers, with children following their parents’ example and even encouraging their parents to participate.

Core Activities and Global Reach

The Corps focuses on several key activities:

• Domestic Outreach: Providing free medical treatment to vulnerable populations within Korea, including the homeless, foreign workers, and residents of rural areas.
• International Missions: Traveling to remote villages overseas to deliver essential medical services.
• Cambodia Surgery Camp: Regularly hosting the ‘Doctor Jang Surgery Camp’ in Cambodia, specializing in surgical interventions for cancer patients.
• Educational Resources: Creating and distributing medical information booklets and providing soccer shoes to children in Southeast Asia.

Challenges and Rewards

Volunteers often face logistical challenges, particularly when working in remote or politically sensitive areas. Director Jang Yeo-gu noted instances where planned medical treatments were unexpectedly halted due to local regulations, such as in Laos. Despite these obstacles, the gratitude expressed by patients and their families provides immense motivation.

Training and Sustainability

The Blue Cross Medical Volunteer Corps is similarly committed to building local capacity by training overseas medical staff. This includes providing medical books, stethoscopes, and other essential supplies to medical students in developing countries, fostering a cycle of sustainable healthcare improvement. The organization views Korea’s transition from a recipient of aid to a provider as an inspiring example for these students.

Looking Ahead

The organization aims to uphold the principles of its founder, Dr. Jang Ki-ryeo, and continue delivering consistent medical care to those in need. Currently, the Corps faces challenges with decreasing sponsorships, despite being comprised of medical professionals. Increased support, particularly for essential equipment for mobile treatment, would enable them to expand their services and reach even more patients.

Q&A with Director Jang Yeo-gu

Q: How do you sense about receiving the grand prize?

A: “I humbly reflect on whether we deserve this award. This achievement was achieved thanks to the countless volunteers and those who supported us behind the scenes. We will continue to serve quietly as we have now.”

Q: What activities do you mainly do?

A : “We provide free medical treatment to the homeless, foreign workers, and rural residents in the country, and visit remote villages overseas to provide medical services. In Cambodia, we regularly hold ‘Doctor Jang Surgery Camp’ and perform surgeries on cancer patients. We seize the lead in making and distributing booklets containing medical information and giving soccer shoes as gifts to Southeast Asian children who play soccer barefoot.”

Q: What is the reaction on the spot?

A : “It is said that there are no doctors or medical institutions these days, but there are still many residents of mountain villages who have to spend an entire day to go to the hospital in their town or township. Buses only run twice a day, so they go to the hospital in the morning and return at night. During the busy farming season, they have to work hard to get to the hospital, so they are very happy when volunteers go. The situation is the same overseas. Hundreds of people come from other villages in trucks every day due to rumors that Korean medical staff are coming. “They are coming in droves.”

Q: What kind of organization do you hope to become in the future?

A : “The name of the Blue Cross Medical Volunteer Group comes from Blue Cross Medical Insurance, which was founded in 1968 by my grandfather, Dr. Jang Ki-ryeo. It was the first medical insurance cooperative in Korea where even the poor could receive treatment. Our goal is to become an organization that consistently delivers medical care to those in need, living up to its reputation.”