National Red Cross chief Han Wan-sang began a five-day visit to the North from Tuesday to discuss ways to expand inter-Korean medical exchanges.

Han will hold talks with his North Korean counterpart Jang Jae-un on issues concerning separate families, inter-Korean medical staff exchanges and joint events for youth Red Cross members.

During his visit, the Red Cross president will be accompanied by delegates from pharmaceutical companies and hospitals and will deliver some 3.7 billion won worth of medical supplies and equipment to the communist state.