Mongolian toddler receives eye cancer surgery in Seoul

A two-year-old Mongolian boy received surgery here to remove cancer in his eye, opening a new chapter in his life.

According to the International Children’s Care Korea, 2-year-old Khatanbaatar Ariuntulga was diagnosed with cancer on the eyeball in June after his parents spotted a membrane on the pupil. His mother, Byambadorj Munkherdene, had a low-paying job while his father, Khatanbaatar Batold, was jobless. A local medic said his illness is untreatable in Mongolia.

Rev. Park Sang-beom, who was close to the family, introduced ICC Korea to the couple, which arranged for Khataanbaatar’s surgery at Seoul National University Hospital, a top-tier general hospital in Seoul. The family arrived at the hospital on July 8.

The young Khatanbaatar had his right eye removed on July 20. He was released from the hospital and is now being watched over to determine whether the cancer has affected his left eye. Doctors said once he recovers, he will receive an artificial eye implantation next month.

“It must be a great pain for a two-year-old to bear. I have never imagined him to suffer that,” Byambadorj told the press.

Kim Young-mi, a PR manager at ICC Korea, said that the money the couple has brought has been depleted.

“Since foreigners are not covered with the state health insurance scheme, they are charged more than Koreans. In the worst case, Khatanbaatar may not receive chemotherapy and other necessary treatments in the post-surgery period,” she said. The family is waiting for help.

By Bae Ji-sook (baejisook@heraldm.com)