A Physician Dedicated to Addressing Inequality and Exclusion in Healthcare

 Dr. Hye-in Chu, Co-recipient of the Service Award and Director of the Salim Clinic under the Salim Medical Welfare Social Cooperative, is a physician committed to addressing inequality and social exclusion in healthcare and ensuring that all people have access to quality medical services. In 2012, she founded Salim Clinic with the vision of creating a more inclusive and equitable healthcare system.

 Since its establishment, the cooperative has grown to serve more than 3,200 member households and now operates a clinic, dental clinic, health center, and care center. Over the past decade, it has provided more than 3,300 cases of free medical care, offering essential healthcare services to those in need.

 In particular, Salim Clinic has pioneered feminist and inclusive healthcare practices, creating a medical environment where people from diverse backgrounds—including persons with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, migrant workers, and marriage migrants—can receive care free from discrimination. Through these efforts, Dr. Chu has worked to ensure that healthcare is accessible, respectful, and responsive to the needs of all members of society.

 Her contributions extend far beyond the provision of medical services. By promoting dignity, inclusion, and community participation in healthcare, she has established a model for medical social cooperatives and has helped lead meaningful changes toward a healthcare system in which every individual is respected and supported.