Healthcare can’t break into international markets on skill alone; it requires trust.
Dr. Jeon Sang-hoon, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Health On Cloud and honorary professor at Seoul National University School of Medicine, pinpointed this reality as the main hurdle for Korean medical technology’s global expansion. Even companies with cutting-edge tech struggle to gain a foothold without established trust and networks with local medical institutions.
In an exclusive interview with News1 on October 29 at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital’s Healthcare Innovation Park, Dr. Jeon unveiled his strategy to overcome these obstacles. His vision? A platform bridging cross-border telemedicine and medical training to propel Korean healthcare onto the world stage.
Dr. Jeon’s passion for integrating innovative medical technologies dates back to his tenure as head of Bundang Seoul National University Hospital. Recognizing that tackling future healthcare challenges demands synergy between hospitals and industry, he spearheaded the Global Smart Hospital Alliance (SHA) to foster international medical collaboration.
Telemedicine: Narrowing the Gap in Critical Care
At the core of Dr. Jeon’s initiative lies MEDTIS, a groundbreaking platform that goes beyond simple doctor-patient video calls. This integrated telemedicine and medical education hub facilitates the sharing of medical imaging and data, enabling second opinions on complex cases while simultaneously upskilling local healthcare providers.
Health On Cloud is currently piloting telemedicine services in Mexico and Colombia. Looking ahead, Dr. Jeon is partnering with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to expand these efforts. Starting next year, the plan is to offer second opinions on severe cases and medical training across 6-7 developing Asian nations.
This innovative approach carries significant advantages over traditional medical missions. By leveraging digital technology, it allows for knowledge transfer and experience sharing while dramatically cutting time and cost constraints. The ultimate goal? To deliver tailored digital health solutions to underserved regions lacking specialist care, while simultaneously building long-term medical capacity in these countries.
Paving the Way for Korean MedTech Globally
Dr. Jeon’s platform has another ambitious aim: to catapult domestic digital health companies onto the international stage. Even with stellar technology, individual firms face an uphill battle in penetrating overseas markets. Unlike consumer goods, medical technologies demand rigorous validation – clinical efficacy, safety assurances, regulatory compliance, and crucially, the trust of medical professionals.
To tackle this, Dr. Jeon envisions leveraging his network of global academic medical centers and local hospitals. This ecosystem will serve as a launchpad for vetted Korean products, matching technologies to the specific needs of diverse healthcare landscapes.
The strategy is nuanced: artificial intelligence (AI)-powered data analytics for tech-savvy hospitals, while offering more accessible solutions for regions with limited digital infrastructure. It’s about smart adaptation, not one-size-fits-all exports.
Dr. Jeon emphasizes that success hinges on Korean companies adopting a global mindset from the get-go. Understanding local demands and healthcare ecosystems is crucial, even in the earliest stages of product development.
On October 29, a landmark event unfolded at Bundang Seoul National University Hospital’s Healthcare Innovation Park. The 6th International Healthcare and MedTech Conference (IHMC) saw representatives from Bundang Seoul National University Hospital, Health On Cloud, the Global Smart Hospital Alliance (SHA), and healthcare leaders from 19 countries unite to announce the Seoul Declaration 2026.
This declaration marks a commitment to advancing digital health through inter-hospital collaboration and establishing a shared framework for global medical cooperation.
This declaration is a crucial step in setting common ground rules for international medical partnerships and cutting-edge tech adoption, Dr. Jeon explained. To ensure the declaration translates into tangible outcomes, he anticipates fine-tuning cooperation between participating institutions and continuously identifying projects tailored to developing nations’ healthcare needs.
Dr. Jeon concluded with a powerful message: Globalizing Korean healthcare isn’t just about showcasing the tech prowess. It’s about building trust with local medical communities, demonstrating real-world applications of the innovations, and creating pathways for the companies to thrive in new markets.