On November 10, the Korea University Medical Center (KUMC) and the Hyundai Motor Chung Mong-Koo Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) for the “Ondream mobile hospital building business,” promoting the production of mobile computed tomography (CT) buses to facilitate emergency responses to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In the early stages of COVID-19, CT scans can help obtain more accurate testing results compared to the use of X-rays or Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). However, CTs being costly and sensitive to transportation, their use is limited in residential treatment centers or medically disadvantaged areas. The MOU aims to produce specialized buses equipped with mobile CT machines and radiation shields, which will visit less-favored areas for the efficient response against the spread of COVID-19. The agreement marks the nation’s first attempt at producing buses equipped with mobile CT machines and specialized for the response against infectious diseases.

The President and CEO of KUMC Kim Young-hoon expressed his hopes that “the proactive and preemptive action through the operation of Ondream mobile hospitals will contribute to bringing an end to the COVID-19 pandemic.” The MOU, a merger of technology and solidarity, indeed seems to mark a significant step towards a brighter post-pandemic future.