KB Kookmin Bank Facilitates Heart Surgeries for Cambodian Children

KB Kookmin Bank, a prominent financial institution in South Korea, has recently invited six Cambodian children suffering from heart disease to undergo free surgeries in Korea. This initiative is part of the bank's ongoing social contribution program, which has been active since 2012, aimed at providing medical support to children in need.

On August 24, Hwan Ju Lee, President and CEO of KB Kookmin Bank, visited the children at Sejong General Hospital in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, alongside notable figures such as Chanjin Lee, Governor of the Financial Supervisory Service, and Byung-Yoon Kim, Territorial Commander of The Salvation Army Korea Territory. This visit underscores the bank's commitment to not only financial services but also social responsibility.

Since the inception of the “Support Program for Cambodian Children with Heart Disease,” the bank has facilitated life-saving surgeries for 113 children. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the program, which was celebrated with a video presentation showcasing the progress of children who have previously benefited from the initiative. A representative from KB Kookmin Bank stated that they will continue to pursue inclusive finance and social contribution initiatives with sincerity so that children with limited access to medical care can grow up healthy.

“We will continue to pursue inclusive finance and social contribution initiatives with sincerity so that children with limited access to medical care can grow up healthy.”KB Kookmin Bank representative

In addition to its direct medical support, KB Kookmin Bank established the “KB Kookmin Bank Hebron Heart Center” in Cambodia in 2014, further solidifying its role in improving healthcare access for children with heart conditions. This center has been instrumental in providing local medical care, reducing the need for overseas treatment.

Healthcare access remains a critical issue in Cambodia, where many families face significant barriers due to financial constraints. The Australian government recently allocated $2 million to enhance social protection and healthcare services in the country, addressing some of these pressing needs. As reported by InsideASEAN, business leaders in Cambodia have also called for the establishment of a specialized commercial court to manage distressed assets, reflecting broader challenges within the healthcare and financial sectors.