The Association of Retired Professional Baseball Players, known as Ilgu Association (President Kim Kwang-soo), signed a 'designated hospital agreement for health primary care' with Hospital Director Kook Hee-kyun at Sarang Plus Hospital in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, on May 12, 2025 (Monday).
This agreement is meaningful in that it forms a collaborative system established by both organizations to practically support the health welfare of retired professional baseball players and their families, resolving medical blind spots and providing stable healthcare services.
Through this agreement, Sarang Plus Hospital plans to offer high-quality medical benefits that include outpatient and inpatient services, regular health check-ups, and priority support for various medical treatments to Ilgu Association members and their families.
President Kim Kwang-soo noted, 'There are many retired players who still suffer due to injuries from their playing days,' and said, 'It is very significant to have a reliable primary care hospital.'
Director Kook Hee-kyun stated, 'Providing high-quality medical services to retired players who contributed to the development of professional baseball is a social responsibility that medical institutions must fulfill,' and explained, 'We will help them return to a healthy society through continuous cooperation.'
Meanwhile, Sarang Plus Hospital, a specialized general hospital for joints and spine, celebrates its 22nd anniversary this year and has over 10,000 cases of artificial joint surgeries. Currently, it operates eight departments, including joints, spine, internal medicine, neurology, rehabilitation, health check-ups, and international medical service, providing patient-centered integrated medical services.
This agreement is expected to be evaluated as a practical model for enhancing the welfare of sportspeople and a pioneering collaboration model between private medical institutions and the sports community.
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