US Doctor Forgives 700 Million Won in Medical Bills for Cancer Patients: "Due to COVID-19, Do Not Repay Treatment Costs"

Dr. Omar Atiq from Arkansas, USA, and his wife. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] A doctor in Arkansas, USA, has forgiven a total of $650,000 (about 710 million KRW) in medical bills to help approximately 200 cancer patients who were unable to repay their treatment costs.

According to CNN on the 9th (local time), oncologist Omar Atiq, a Pakistani immigrant, decided last year to close the hospital he had operated for about 30 years in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and investigated unpaid medical bills with a debt collection agency. As a result, Atiq learned that patients and their families had not yet repaid their medical bills and were experiencing financial difficulties due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In response, Atiq sent Christmas cards during last year's holiday season to patients and their families stating that they did not have to pay their medical bills. He said, "Although most of the treatment costs for many patients were covered by various health insurances, there are still those who find the medical bills burdensome," and added, "Our clinic has decided to forgive all outstanding medical bills owed to our hospital by patients."

About 200 patients benefited from the medical bill forgiveness due to Atiq's decision. The amount forgiven per patient ranged from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars, with the total amount Atiq forgave exceeding $650,000 (about 710 million KRW).

In an interview with CNN, Atiq said, "Fortunately, we don't need much money. If forgiving the medical bills helps them even a little, I am grateful for the opportunity." He continued, "I have always felt uneasy about the idea that community members and people should worry about medical bills when they are sick."

He emphasized, "My top priority has always been 'I am here to care for patients,'" and added, "It is the greatest honor and privilege I can receive that patients trust me and entrust their lives to me."

Meanwhile, Atiq, who is also a professor at the University of Arkansas Medical School, realized in the past that there was a lack of cancer centers in the community. After deciding to become an oncologist, he established a cancer clinic center for economically disadvantaged people in Pine Bluff with his wife in 1991.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.