Hospital Boat

[Anchor Lead]

For residents living on remote islands, the so-called "hospital boat" visiting the islands once a month is the only medical care available. This hospital boat, which once provided only medical services, offered joy and energy to island residents by bringing along some musicians for a special show.

[Pkg]

The Gyeongnam 511, a 162-ton hospital boat, has arrived at an island. The village center quickly transforms into a clinic on the days that the medical staff visits from the mainland once a month. Island residents get prescription drugs according to their diagnoses and even undergo acupunture therapy. When the temporary clinic is about to close, guitarists suddenly show up with microphones. Soon lively music fills the island village. Villagers get excited and cheerful as they enjoy the music. These musicians came to the island with the staff members of the floating hospital. They're part of the "Floating Arts Station" project operated by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in tandem with the floating hospital service.

[Soundbite] Kim Yong-hyeon(Director, Floating Arts Station) : "I hope island residents who don't get many opportunities to enjoy artistic performances can enjoy this together."

[Soundbite] Yun I-seon(Geoje, Gyeongsangnam-do Prov. Resident) : "I'm thankful that they came to this lonely island and delighted us."

Medical care and small concerts are provided as the hospital boat travels to different villages, adding energy to the lives of island residents.