Philippine patient Kim Abibg Rosello (right), 7, on July 16 takes a photo with a medical staff member at Severance Hospital in Seoul's Seodaemun-gu District after receiving successful treatment for a congenital heart condition. (Severance Hospital)

By Yoo Yeon Gyeong

Special economic zones (SEZ) for medical tourism are expected to allow medical advertising in foreign languages.

The Ministry of SMEs and Startups on Oct. 22 said a Cabinet meeting passed a bill on a partial amendment to the Act on Special Cases Concerning the Regulation of Regulation-free Special Zones and Special Economic Zones for Specialized Regional Development.

In principle, medical law prohibits domestic advertising aimed to attract patients from abroad, though such ads in foreign languages are allowed in six areas including airports, harbors and duty-free shops.

The amendment proposes provisions to allow medical advertising in foreign languages at SEZs if it meets standards set by presidential decree among those running specialized businesses in medical tourism to raise the number of such patients and develop related regional industries.

"This partial amendment bill reflects the government's intent to help attract medical tourists from abroad and stimulate regional economies," Minister of SMEs and Startups Oh Youngju said. "We hope that it passes smoothly after meticulous deliberation by the National Assembly."

dusrud21@korea.kr