Singapore: Medical device developer, Covidien, has launched Covidien Center of Innovation Korea (CCI Korea), its first R&D, training and education center in Korea.

With a total investment of $21 million over a three year period, CCI Korea is a high-tech medical training center focused on raising awareness of various disease states and providing opportunities for advancing healthcare professionals' capabilities by creating access to a full-range of Covidien's medical devices.

"It is our responsibility and honor to help advance physician capabilities and uncover opportunities for locally tailored solutions to increase access to the best patient care," said Mr Brian D King, president, emerging markets, Covidien. "Korea is a key market in our global strategy, and this investment is a reflection of our commitment to partnering with Korean healthcare professionals."

CCI Korea is Covidien's first comprehensive training and education center in Korea with R&D capacity, allowing healthcare professionals and medical trainees to actively engage in the design and development of medical devices. CCI Korea spans an area of more than 6,000 square meters and includes a surgical lab with 11 operating stations, an intensive care unit (ICU) lab with two ICU stations and a human patient simulator.

"There is an increased expectation and focus on medical technology to help improve patient outcomes," said Mr Peter Kim, MD, Covidien. "With the opening of CCI Korea, Covidien can further advance healthcare professional capabilities and enhance collaboration activities between R&D professionals, academic institutions and healthcare professionals to create access to improved standards of care."