한국시사경제 김숙영 기자 | SEOUL, South Korea, June 2, 2026 — Professor Soo-Bong Choi, Professor Emeritus at Konkuk University and Chairman of SOOIL Development Co., Ltd., announced an expansion of the company’s long-running charitable insulin pump support initiative for financially disadvantaged diabetes patients, particularly those experiencing severe diabetes-related complications.
The enhanced program aims to assist patients who rely on insulin pump therapy but face difficulties continuing treatment because of financial limitations. Support will include insulin pump devices, replacement units, essential consumable supplies, and assistance in accessing ongoing treatment through collaboration with healthcare professionals.
“Diabetes treatment is not something patients can simply pause when financial difficulties arise,” Professor Choi said. “Our goal is to ensure that individuals suffering from severe complications can continue receiving the care they need regardless of their economic circumstances.”
Professor Choi has devoted nearly five decades to diabetes treatment, research, and patient care. Through SOOIL Development, he has worked to advance insulin pump technology while promoting wider access to treatment for diabetes patients in Korea and abroad.
Established in 1979, SOOIL Development became one of the pioneering companies in the field of portable insulin pump technology. Its DANA insulin pump, introduced commercially in 1980, has since been supplied to patients in numerous countries worldwide. The company and Professor Choi have been recognized with several prestigious honors for their contributions to medical technology innovation and export development, including the Presidential Award, the Prime Minister’s Citation, and the USD 5 Million and USD 7 Million Export Tower Awards.
Supporting Patients Amid New Disability Recognition
The expanded support initiative coincides with a significant policy development in South Korea. Beginning July 1, 2026, qualifying patients with type 1 diabetes will become eligible for official pancreatic disability recognition under Korean law.
Reflecting this policy change, Professor Choi and SOOIL Development plan to strengthen assistance for patients living with severe diabetes complications and related disabilities. Particular attention will be given to individuals facing risks such as diabetic foot complications, limb amputation, vision impairment, and other serious health conditions that may limit their ability to sustain treatment.
The program is guided by a simple principle: access to effective diabetes management should not be determined solely by a patient’s financial resources.
Continuing a 25-Year Tradition of Patient Support
The newly expanded initiative builds on more than 25 years of charitable activities carried out by Professor Choi and SOOIL Development.
Over the past quarter-century, the company has provided insulin pumps and related treatment support free of charge to low-income diabetes patients and individuals suffering from advanced diabetes complications. These efforts have been conducted through the company’s volunteer organization, the Insulin Pump Association, and educational programs including diabetes insulin pump seminars.
Many beneficiaries have been patients who faced significant financial hardship while coping with complex medical conditions. Through ongoing support, they were able to continue treatment that otherwise might have become inaccessible.
Unlike short-term assistance programs, the initiative has emphasized long-term continuity of care, helping patients maintain access to the equipment and supplies necessary for daily diabetes management.
Commitment Beyond Medical Devices
One notable example of Professor Choi’s humanitarian efforts dates back to 2010, when he arranged medical treatment in Korea for a young patient from Afghanistan whose diabetes management had become increasingly challenging amid the difficult conditions caused by prolonged conflict.
Responding to requests from local physicians, Professor Choi personally covered transportation, accommodation, and treatment-related expenses, enabling the patient and a guardian to travel to Korea and receive specialized care.
The case reflected a broader philosophy that has guided Professor Choi’s work throughout his career: providing meaningful support to diabetes patients not only through technology, but also through practical assistance when access to treatment is at risk.
As the program expands in 2026, Professor Choi and SOOIL Development reaffirm their commitment to helping vulnerable patients maintain treatment, improve quality of life, and reduce the burden of severe diabetes complications.
