Daewoong Pharmaceutical has taken a step towards sustainable healthcare innovation by unveiling a new circular model for medical devices that integrates digital health technology with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles.
On July 17, Daewoong announced the official launch of 'MobiCARE Refresh,' a reusability version of its wearable electrocardiogram (ECG) device, developed in collaboration with healthcare technology firm Sheerst Technology.
MobiCARE is an ultra-lightweight wireless ECG device weighing just 19 grams, capable of continuous monitoring for up to nine days. This makes it highly effective in detecting heart abnormalities that might be missed during short-term examinations. Users can maintain their daily routines while acquiring long-term ECG data, significantly improving accuracy and convenience.
The newly introduced 'MobiCARE Refresh' standardizes the device’s collection, disinfection, and reuse processes, achieving reductions in medical waste and easing the burden on healthcare facilities. Traditionally, wearable ECG devices required patients to return them to hospitals after use, placing management responsibilities and costs on medical institutions. Single-use devices, which are disposed of without sterilization or reprocessing, contributed to environmental waste.
In response, Daewoong and Sheerst created a system where the entire reprocessing cycle—from device collection, cleaning, sterilization, to quality checks—is managed at a dedicated ‘Refresh Center.’ Patients can conveniently return devices from their homes via courier service, and hospitals can utilize the sanitized, refreshed devices as easily as new ones, reducing management efforts.
This reprocessing not only significantly cuts down medical waste but also lowers device costs to a level comparable to reusable devices, easing financial pressures on healthcare providers.
Within a year of its launch, MobiCARE Refresh has been adopted by over 100 major healthcare institutions nationwide, including Seoul Asan Medical Center, Gangnam Severance Hospital, and Korea University Anam Hospital. Its rapid adoption exemplifies a new healthcare model that simultaneously advances environmental responsibility, cost savings, and user convenience, positioning it as a leading example of ESG-driven innovation in digital healthcare.
Daewoong aims to enhance corporate sustainability while improving healthcare efficiency and patient-centered services through this initiative.
Ja Chang-jae, CEO of Daewoong Pharmaceutical, stated, “Although initial investments and system setup presented some challenges, we introduced MobiCARE Refresh with a focus on the intrinsic value and sustainability of medical devices. Moving forward, we will continue to innovate through technological advances and ESG practices to solve issues in healthcare and foster a society that coexists with the industry.”
MobiCARE Refresh represents a healthcare device operation model that maximizes convenience for patients and clinicians while fulfilling environmental responsibilities. It is poised to become a flagship example of ESG-based innovation in the expanding digital healthcare market.
