TAIWAN HEALTH FOR ALL - Taiwan Today
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HEALTH FOR ALL
TAIWAN
CAN HELP
1
Stronger Together
A
s the international community wres- nations. The successful approach for managing
tles with the health, economic and COVID-19 harnesses the power and synergies
social impacts of COVID-19, Taiwan of the country’s health care system, public and
STRONGER TOGETHER 03
stands willing and able to share its private sectors, citizenry, democracy, technology
HEALTH NEWS 04 know-how and resources in strengthening the and deep-seated trust in the government and its
global response to the pandemic. policymaking. As of March 2021, Taiwan had
FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE 08 This spirt of largesse is undiminished by the recorded less than 1,000 confirmed cases and
INTERVIEW BY OSCAR CHUNG fact that the country remains shut out of the 10 deaths, earning it widespread international
activities, mechanisms and meetings of the World acclaim for anti-pandemic excellence.
HIGH-TECH HEALTH 10 Health Organization (WHO). The Geneva- WHA involvement would also allow the
INTERVIEW BY DONNA LEE
headquartered U.N. specialized agency readily country to do even more in terms of making
prescribes an inclusive approach to combating sure surgical masks and other personal protective
NEVER GIVE UP 12 coronavirus, except when it comes to Taiwan. equipment, as well as medical devices and phar-
BY MEG CHANG
With the 74th edition of the World Health maceuticals, quickly find their way to those who
Assembly (WHA)—the decision-making body need them most. To date, Taiwan has donated 54
NO ONE LEFT BEHIND 14 of the WHO attended by delegations from all of million surgical masks and other anti-pandemic
the organization’s member states—taking place supplies to more than 80 countries—numbers
virtually May 24 to June 1, WHO Director- reflecting the compassion and kindheartedness of
General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus the people.
would be well-advised to put politics to one side Vaccine development is another area in
and deliver on his organization’s goal of achieving which the country can assist via the WHA.
Health For All. As discussion of related measures adopted by
There is an inconvenient truth that needs the WHO within the context of public health
to be faced posthaste by Dr. Tedros and WHO emergencies preparedness and response is high
member states prepared to put lives at risk so as on the agenda of the assembly, Taiwan can
to support a blinkered and unrealistic political enhance outcomes by applying the professional
agenda. Taiwan and its 23.5 million people must strengths of its biotechnology, information and
be given a voice at the WHA if the WHO is to communication technology, medical care and
overcome the pandemic, meet emerging chal- R&D sectors.
lenges and realize the health objectives of the U.N. With 2021 declared International Year of
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Health and Care Workers by the WHO, it is crit-
The SDGs are an integral part of the U.N.’s ically important all relevant stakeholders engage
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development—a in dialogue to protect those serving selflessly on
plan of action for people, planet and prosper- the coronavirus front lines. A Taiwan-attended
ity. If the initiative is to succeed in shifting the WHA is the perfect platform for building a truly
world onto a resilient path, it is critical no one is global consensus on advocacy, care and solidarity
left behind. Given Taiwan’s extensive front-line in support of these unsung heroes.
experience promoting and providing health care The pandemic has shown the value of an all
COVER DESIGN BY LIN CHIEN-JU in far-flung corners of the globe, WHA observer hands on deck strategy for addressing inequities
status is the best model for the country’s mean- in achieving sustainable goals spanning health
Published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Republic of China (Taiwan)
ingful participation in the WHO. and development. It is time Dr. Tedros and the
2 Ketagalan Blvd., Taipei 10048, Taiwan, ROC A seat at the WHA table enables Taiwan to WHO recognize Taiwan Can Help, and that
http://www.mofa.gov.tw
Catalog Card No.: MOFA-EN-BL-110-001-I-1
better share some of its most effective initiatives countries are stronger together when combating
First edition, B5 May 2021 such as the Taiwan Model with the family of COVID-19. n
3
Health News Taiwan, India unveil smart pandemic
prevention system
Foreign Minister Wu launches Taiwan Can
Help mask-production line for Czech Republic
Minister of Foreign
Affairs Jaushieh
Joseph Wu (吳釗
MOFA welcomes launch of Taiwan-Palau travel bubble 燮) took part in
following visit by President Whipps Jr. the virtual ribbon-
cutting ceremony
The launch of a travel bubble between Taiwan and Palau is testament to
March 11 from
the two countries’ long-standing friendship, according to the Ministry of
Taipei City for a
Foreign Affairs (MOFA) March 30. In a statement released to mark the
mask-production
opening of the bubble alongside an official visit to Taiwan by the Pacific
Taiwan and India unveiled a jointly developed line donated by Taiwan to the Czech Republic.
ally’s President Surangel Whipps Jr. and a delegation including U.S.
smart pandemic prevention system March 24 via Connected with Czech Senate President Milos Vystrcil
Ambassador to Palau John Hennessey-Niland, the MOFA said Taiwan
videoconference, spotlighting the like-minded partners’ via video link, Wu said the donation underscored the
and the U.S. have provided Palau with essential supplies and equipment as
commitment to advancing disease-fighting technology. robust relationship between the like-minded partners
well as technical assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Taiwan, Palau and the U.S. are committed to promoting
In consultation with the Ministry of Science and and their joint commitment to fighting COVID-19.
democracy and advancing peace and prosperity across the region, the ministry said. The government will continue to
Technology, Taipei Economic and Cultural Center in According to the minister, the restructuring of global
maintain and expand trilateral ties on the basis of shared values and common interests while collaborating in areas
India and Taiwan Education Center in India, researchers supply chains prompted by coronavirus highlights
including climate change, digital health, women’s empowerment, agricultural trade, coast guard cooperation and
from National Chung Cheng University (NCCU) in Taiwan’s role as a reliable trade partner to the world. The
cybersecurity to achieve a free and open Indo-Pacific, it added.
southern Taiwan’s Chiayi County and Sri Ramaswamy success of the Taiwan Model also proves that democracy
Memorial University in southern India’s Tamil Nadu is the best approach to managing pandemics and crises,
Taiwan attends US-organized virtual, pledges help combating Ebola state fine-tuned the system featuring real-time contact he said.
tracing, facial recognition and thermal body temperature
Taiwan participated in the “Strengthening Africa’s Resilience and Response monitoring. According to NCCU’s Taiwan-India Joint
to Ebola Virus” virtual March 26, pledging US$250,000 to help combat the Research Center on Artificial Intelligence, the system Taiwan donates COVID-19 medical supplies
disease while promoting global health. Hosted by the Democratic Republic of demonstrates that Taiwan Can Help strengthen the New to France
the Congo, Guinea, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, West Southbound Policy (NSP) target country’s response to
African Health Organization, the U.S. and the World Health Organization’s COVID-19. A key plank in the government’s national
(WHO) regional office for Africa, the virtual was held in response to recent development strategy, the NSP seeks to deepen Taiwan’s
outbreaks of Ebola in western and central Africa. Taipei Economic and Cultural agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and
Representative Office in the U.S. head Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴), Ministry of trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian
Foreign Affairs (MOFA) Department of North American Affairs Director- Nations member states, six South Asian countries,
General Douglas Yu-tien Hsu (徐佑典) and Taiwan Centers for Disease Control Director-General Chou Jih-haw (周 Australia and New Zealand.
志浩) took part via videoconference alongside officials from Africa and the European Union, as well as U.S. Secretary of
State Antony Blinken and WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. According to the MOFA, Taiwan
remains committed to substantial participation in the global health system in the spirit of pragmatism, professionalism and Taiwan cancer drug delivery system receives US
a willingness to abide by international health standards. Cooperation between nations has proven to be the only way to FDA approval for trials
successfully tackle epidemics, and the country has much to offer with its expertise in disease prevention, the ministry added.
A first-in-class
cancer drug delivery
Taiwan, Czech Republic stage COVID-19 webinar system developed by Taiwan has sent a large donation of medical supplies
the National Health to France to assist the European country in combating
A webinar on COVID-19 management was jointly staged March 24 Research Institutes COVID-19, spotlighting the government’s commitment
by Taiwan and the Czech Republic, underscoring the commitment (NHRI) has received to strengthening the global response to the pandemic,
of the two like-minded partners to deepening health-related approval from the according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
cooperation. Presided over by Liang Kung-yee (梁賡義), president of U.S. Food and Drug March 18. Facilitated by the MOFA, Taoyuan City
Taiwan’s National Health Research Institutes, and Czech Senator Administration (FDA) Government and French Office in Taipei in collaboration
Jiri Drahos, the event saw health officials and experts from both sides to begin phase one clinical trials, according to the Ministry with northern Taiwan-based East Field Corp., Hsiner
shed light on their respective medical research, disease-management of Economic Affairs (MOEA) March 15. The NHRI said Co. and Union Biomedical Tech Co., the donation
policy and progress in vaccine development, the Ministry of Foreign DBPR115 is the first homegrown small molecule drug comprises continuous positive airway pressure masks,
Affairs (MOFA) said March 25. According to the MOFA, Drahos delivery system, adding that it allows for more accurate disinfectant sprays and surgical masks. The items are to
expressed gratitude for Taiwan’s donations of supplies such as surgical masks, respirators and mask-producing delivery of therapies to tumor cells and can effectively be distributed to Colmar in northeastern France and
equipment. He also praised the government’s success in containing the spread of coronavirus, saying that Taiwan’s inhibit growth of colon, rectal and pancreatic cancers with branches of the French Red Cross to help front-line
related policymaking and clinical practices are great models. only 20 percent of the dosage of traditional cancer drugs. health workers tackling the disease.
4 5
Health News
President Tsai lauds Taiwan’s contributions Taiwan donates COVID-19 PPE to Eswatini, Tsai highlights Taiwan’s contribution to advancing medical human rights
toward development of TCM St. Lucia, Somaliland
President Tsai Ing-wen (蔡英文) said Dec. 12 that Taiwan Can Help strengthen
President Tsai Ing- A large-scale donation the global response to COVID-19 while advancing medical human rights in
wen (蔡英文) lauded of COVID-19 personal the international community. Taiwan’s proficiency in managing epidemics can
the contributions protective equipment be attributed to past experience, swift action, professional officials led by Health
of Taiwan’s (PPE) for Taiwan’s Minister Chen Shih-chung (陳時中), the use of innovative technology, domestic
practitioners and Africa ally Kingdom mask manufacturers and front-line medical staff working around the clock, Tsai
researchers in the of Eswatini, Caribbean said. This is complemented by factors such as the country’s resilience and unity, Tsai
field of traditional ally St. Lucia and said, adding that Taiwan is committed to protecting the health of its people, as well
Chinese medicine Horn of Africa as contributing more to the global community. Tsai made the remarks during the launch of “Beating COVID-19,
(TCM) March 14, partner Somaliland Taiwan” produced by local outfit Sanlih E-Television and Discovery Channel.
spotlighting how the country’s medical community are was announced
embracing the Taiwan Can Help spirit to safeguard Feb. 20 by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
global health and well-being. TCM professionals in Facilitated by the MOFA in collaboration with Hsinchu Taiwan participates in SICA forum promoting MOFA thankful for unprecedented global
Taiwan have been at the forefront of creating a combined City-headquartered TSMC Charity Foundation— post-pandemic economic recovery backing of Taiwan’s WHA bid
East-meets-West approach to treating COVID-19 ever affiliated with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing
since the disease first emerged in the Chinese city of Co. (TSMC)—and Taipei City-based Medtecs Group, Taiwan participated in a Central American Integration Unprecedented
Wuhan in late 2019, Tsai said. The successful launch the donation comprises 150,000 surgical masks, 11,000 System (SICA) forum aimed at advancing post- support from
of NRICM101, an herbal co-treatment for patients isolation gowns, 7,000 coveralls, 6,000 head covers, pandemic economic recovery throughout the region, like-minded
infected with coronavirus developed by Taipei City- 6,000 shoe covers and 1,500 hazmat suits. The items according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). partners around
based National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, are to be distributed to government agencies, health Staged virtually Nov. 18-20, the event involved nearly the world
has further raised the country’s profile in this regard, care facilities and the underprivileged. According to 1,000 academics, experts and officials from SICA for Taiwan’s
she added. Tsai made the remarks while attending the the MOFA, the generosity of TSMC and Medtecs member states such as ROC (Taiwan) allies Belize, participation
opening ceremony of the 13th Taipei Traditional Chinese is sincerely appreciated, and reflects the compassion Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua, as well as the as an observer
Medicine International Forum in northern Taiwan. of the government and people. It also underscores Central American Bank for Economic Integration and at the World
a commitment to expanding the country’s global Inter-American Development Bank. Health Assembly
participation while showing Taiwan Can Help realize the (WHA) is sincerely appreciated by the government
Taipei Medical University Hospital lauded for World Health Organization’s goal of Health For All. and people, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
combating COVID-19 in Kingdom of Eswatini Taiwan reiterates commitment to bolstering said Nov. 14. During a virtual WHA meeting in May,
global post-pandemic economic recovery 14 of the country’s allies urged the World Health
Taiwan’s success in managing COVID-19 at APEC Organization (WHO) to invite Taiwan as an observer
praised by IHF to its decision-making body, the MOFA said. The
Taiwan is committed to matter was raised once more at the second meeting
Taiwan’s success in combating COVID-19 was praised strengthening the global Nov. 9-13 in Geneva, with representatives from Japan,
by Geneva-headquartered International Hospital response to COVID-19 the U.S. and other countries also voicing their support,
Federation (IHF) in a recently released report offering while promoting open it added. The sentiment was shared by U.S. Mission in
insights into how medical facilities can deliver trade and investment Geneva Ambassador Andrew Bremberg in a recently
transformative health care solutions amid the coronavirus amid the pandemic, released three-minute video, in which he urged WHO
pandemic. Dr. Lee Po-chang (李伯璋), director-general according to Minister without Portfolio Deng Chen- Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
of the National Health Insurance Administration chung (鄧振中) Nov. 16. Deng, who heads the Cabinet- to restore the status quo from 2009 to 2016 by inviting
The Advanced Taiwan We Go Team from Taipei (NHIA) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, said level Office of Trade Negotiations, said the country’s Taiwan to take part in the WHA. Taiwan’s WHA
Medical University Hospital (TMUH) successfully the IHF’s recognition in “Building the New Normal: successful coronavirus response measures have played campaign has received support from other prominent
combated coronavirus in the Kingdom of Eswatini Harnessing Transformative Practices from the COVID- a vital role in maintaining free trade and circulation of political figures around the world, the MOFA said.
and strengthened the global response to the pandemic, 19 Pandemic” is testament to the success of the Taiwan key supplies. He called on the Asia-Pacific Economic These include U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo;
according to Foreign Minister Jaushieh Joseph Wu Model. It also underscores the country’s commitment to Cooperation (APEC) to continue expanding cooperation Australia Prime Minister Scott Morrison; New
(吳釗燮) March 11. Altruistic acts and services of the advancing global health as part of efforts to meaningfully and exchanges among member economies during this Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern; Japan’s former PM Shinzo
team demonstrated the depth of Taiwan’s friendship participate in the World Health Organization (WHO), challenging time. According to Deng, the government Abe; and foreign ministers and deputy ministers of
to Eswatini, as well as the passion and expertise of Lee said. Taiwan will continue to share its NHI system will work with other APEC members to address the Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden
the country’s medical professionals, Wu said. These and experiences with the needs of enterprises worldwide through digital technology and the U.K.
contributions greatly benefited the health and well-being international community and a people-oriented approach aimed at liberalizing
of the people in the Africa ally, he added. Wu made in an attempt to achieve trade and investment. Deng made the comments during
the remarks while receiving members of the team and the WHO’s goal of the 31st APEC Ministerial Meeting in Malaysia, which Photos: Huang Chung-hsin, Liberty Times, National Chung Cheng
TMUH officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in universal health coverage, he attended alongside National Development Council University, National Development Council, Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Taipei City. he added. Minister Kung Ming-hsin (龔明鑫). Presidential Office and United Daily News
6 All stories are sourced from Taiwan Today and can be read in full at 7
https://www.taiwantoday.tw/
First Line of Defense
COVID-19 with insuf- s ervices and boost pay
ficient protection. for health care workers.
T h e Wo r l d H e a l t h With dedicated health
Organization [WHO] workers, solid govern
Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung (陳時中) discusses has designated 2021 as ment policies and a
the International Year cooperative general
the government’s efforts to protect and support health workers amid the of Health and Care public, Taiwan has
COVID-19 pandemic. Workers. What has the implemented an
government done to extremely successful
show its appreciation COVID-19 manage-
and support to medi- ment strategy. Despite
cal personnel helping this, the countr y is
combat COVID-19? still shut out of the
T he Taiwan Model for manag-
ing coronavirus has received
recognition from governments and
Chen: One major way
we’ve shown our appre-
activities, mechanisms
and meetings of the
ciation is by ensuring WHO. Is this fair?
organizations around the world. 02
ample financial com- Chen: Taiwan has kept
How does it protect front-line
pensation. Physicians COVID-19 under
health workers critical to the coun-
and nurses caring for confirmed Additionally, we have temporarily control within its borders, which has
try’s disease-prevention efforts?
or suspected COVID-19 cases are suspended the regular practice of allowed its people largely to go about
Chen Shih-chung: The Ministry each granted NT$10,000 [US$351] evaluating hospital performance to their lives as usual during the pan-
of Health and Welfare [MOHW ] per day, while staff at COVID-19 allow health workers to concentrate demic. Nevertheless, the country has
moved rapidly to safeguard Taiwan’s sample collection sites set up by their energy on battling the disease. been constantly denied participation
health workers, promulgating guide- 205 hospitals around Taiwan can in the WHO for political reasons,
lines for medical facilities designated each receive NT$700 [US$25] per How has the government worked creating a serious gap in the global
to treat COVID-19 patients before case handled. to boost health workers’ morale epidemic prevention network and
the first case was identified in the Additional funds are allocated during these challenging times? threatening worldwide health secu-
country on Jan. 21, 2020. Since then to medical facilities to support con- Chen: For starters, the MOHW rity. Taiwan has continued to do its
guidelines have been constantly tinued quality services amid the takes the issue of excessive work- part by providing medical equipment
updated to reflect circumstances on pandemic. All 488 hospitals in the loads incredibly seriously. In 2017 and materials to countries in urgent
the ground. Protective measures range country can receive up to NT$5 the ministry announced guidelines need and holding international
01
from installing temperature screen- million [US$175,438] and all private for setting up reasonable shif t videoconferences to share the Taiwan
ing stations at hospital entrances to clinics and public health centers, schedules and opened an online Model for combating COVID-19.
proper procedure for donning per- which number more than 20,000, platform the following year to pro- We call for the world to voice
sonal protective equipment, effectively are entitled to up to NT$130,000 vide a portal for reporting work- stronger support for Taiwan’s partici-
reducing infection risk to a minimum [US$4,561]. A portion of the money related complaints anonymously. pation in the WHO and all related
for staff and visitors. must go to individuals involved Submitted grievances are referred activities. Only then can we fully
At the end of January last year, in daily operation of the medical to local governments, which send share with the world valuable health
the government took the further facilities, from emergency physicians officials to the affected workplace care experience such as our epidemic
step of requisitioning materials like to custodians. to view the situation firsthand and prevention measures and highly suc-
surgical masks, disinfectants and The MOHW has also eased resolve concerns. cessful NHI program. Taiwan Can
protective clothing from manufac- pressure on health care workers Furthermore, Taiwan’s National Help the international community
01. Protecting and supporting health care workers is an integral part of the Taiwan turers and established a distribu- during the pandemic by postponing Health Insurance [NHI] premiums, realize the WHO’s vision of health
Model for combating COVID-19.
02. Minister of Health and Welfare Chen Shih-chung calls for the world to give tion mechanism reaching hospitals license renewals as of January last which are set as a proportion of as a fundamental human right and
stronger support to Taiwan’s bid to participate in the World Health Organization countrywide. Thanks to this efficient year. In normal times, all profes- an individual’s income, have been the U.N.’s promise to Leave No One
and related activities.
system, Taiwan’s front-line health sionals in the medical sector must raised from 4.69 to 5.17 percent as Behind as part of its Sustainable
workers have never been placed in renew their qualifications every six of Jan. 1. This revision is expected Development Goals. n
01. Courtesy of Ministry of Health and Welfare Facebook
02. Photo by Lin Min-hsuan a situation where they had to fight years by completing further training. to enhance the quality of medical —interview by Oscar Chung
8 9
High-Tech Health
border control and quarantine mea- Personal Data Protection Act and What measures are being taken to
sures. The NHI system was adapted aids home isolation and quarantine protect personal privacy and pre-
to keep track of individuals’ travel by sending an alert to local civil, vent infringement of individual
histories by integrating the NHI public health and police officials to rights when utilizing technology as
database with data from the National follow up on the person’s where- part of the Taiwan Model?
Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Department of Information Management Immigration Agency [NIA]. abouts when necessary. Parng: The government has worked
Director-General Parng I-ming (龐一鳴) sits down to talk about the role information Looking at other countries, we We have also developed a chat tirelessly to make the disease preven-
noted that COVID-19 spreads bot in the instant messaging software tion system, including all use of ICT
and communication technology plays in the Taiwan Model of epidemic prevention. rapidly. It is important to prevent Line called the Disease Containment and collection of personal data, as
community transmission where the Expert to allow individuals under transparent as possible. In accordance
source of the disease is unclear. This home isolation and quarantine to with the Personal Data Protection
kind of a situation can easily spiral voluntarily report their health sta- Act, all government agencies are
out of control and lead to the health tuses to the competent authority on required to inform individuals when
care system buckling under strain a daily basis while providing relevant collecting their personal information.
from a large influx of patients. That disease prevention information. In Data collected and shared in
I nformation and communication
technology [ICT] has played a
pivotal role in the Taiwan Model.
is why we flagged individuals with
a history of travel to areas affected
addition, it can list numbers for ser-
vices such as food delivery, garbage
the centralized epidemic prevention
tracking system can only be retained
by COVI D-19 using the NH I disposal and medical assistance dur- for 28 days and must be deleted after
How has it been used in the coun- MediCloud system. ing the quarantine period. that time. It cannot be used for any
try’s COVID-19 response? Contact history and occupation purposes other than investigations
Parng I-ming: At the beginning were also included in the data to What has made the Taiwan Model into COVID-19 outbreaks.
of the COVID-19 pandemic, very allow health care staffers to obtain so successful in its efforts to utilize
little was known about the corona- first-hand information concerning a ICT? H o w h a s t h e Ta i w a n M o d e l
virus and its implications. All we patient’s history of travel, occupation, Parng: Taiwan’s NHI system is helped realize the World Health
knew was that the outbreak was contact, and cluster [TOCC]. well developed and deeply embed- Organization’s goal of Health
first reported in the Chinese city of In February 2020, we launched ded into public health infrastruc- For All?
Wuhan in late 2019. the quarantine system for entry to ture, so it played a vital role in our Parng: So far, Taiwan has donated
As there was no vaccine at that optimize quarantine capacity and coronavirus response. All citizens critical medical supplies and per-
time, we adopted the basic principles speed up the immigration clearance and eligible foreign residents are sonal protective equipment to over
of infectious disease prevention to process. Travelers with smartphones enrolled in the program and have 80 countries around the world,
combat the disease. We implemented can log in to the system before an NHI card. inc luding in Afr ic a, the Asia-
strict face mask, social distancing departure or upon arrival in Taiwan Insured individuals use the card Pacific, the Caribbean, Europe,
and quarantine policies to reduce and fill out a form providing per- when seeking medical attention— Latin America, North America,
potential exposure to the coronavi- sonal contact information, health through this health care providers Southeast Asia and West Asia. In
rus. All these systems relied on the status and travel history in order can access the MediCloud system addition, we have shared the source
use of ICT. to receive a health declaration pass that stores patient information, code of our quarantine system
To pre vent panic buy ing of that can be presented at immigra- including examination, discharge, for entry with nine allies, namely
face masks and ensure equitable tion for clearance. medication and surgery records. Belize, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras,
access for all residents, the govern- The information collected is During the pandemic, we added Nicaragua, Paraguay, St. Kitts and
ment assembled new production shared with the centralized epidemic patients’ history of TOCC to the Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St. Vincent
lines to meet domestic demand and prevention tracking system to facili- system, which facilitates case identi- and the Grenadines. We have also
launched a name-based mask distri- tate follow-up measures. At-risk fication and implementation of sub- shared our epidemic prevention
bution system utilizing the National individuals placed under home sequent measures. experience during virtual conferences
Health Insurance [NHI] database isolation and quarantine are then The NHI also contributed to with a number of countries includ-
to provide a low-cost, guaranteed contacted by local civil and public the success of the name-based mask ing fellow Asia-Pacific Economic
Parng I-ming, director-general of the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Department of number of masks to each individual health officers either via telephone distribution system, and effective Cooperation member economies,
Information Management, explains how information and communication technology
is critical to Taiwan’s COVID-19 management strategy. every two weeks. or in person. integration of the NHI and NIA Belgium, the Czech Republic, India
As the out break or iginated The electronic fence system is databases assisted our disease preven- and Switzerland. n
Photo by Chen Mei-ling overseas, we quickly enforced strict implemented in compliance with the tion efforts by tracking travel history. —interview by Donna Lee
10 11
Never Give Up
received several rounds of chemo- potentially fatal complica-
therapy to no avail, with repeated tion causing him to expe-
infections further compromising rience bouts of abdominal
his condition. distention, hydroperito-
To c o m p l i c a t e m a t t e r s , neum and jaundice.
Taiwan Can Help realize Health For All by combating COVID-19 while Zi-heng’s elder brother was unsuit- “ We h a d t o g i v e
a b l e a s a b on e m a r row d on o r. Zi-heng injections of a
providing top-notch health care to those in need around the globe. Mother Jessica Lim said the hos- special medication and
pital told the couple to prepare for performed daily ascites
BY MEG CHANG
the worst as the infant’s chances of puncture for his condi-
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAICHUNG VETERANS GENERAL HOSPITAL survival were only 10 to 20 percent. tion,” Huang said. “He
“It was devastating, but we had to was so brave, and the
do everything we could to give our whole team could not
baby a chance.” have been prouder of
A
In addition to seeking help in him.”
s the world keeps grap- Singapore and the U.S., Lim asked Z i-heng, hospital-
pling with the impact her sister—who lives in Taichung— iz ed for 80-plus day s
of coronavirus, Taiwan if there was the possibility of redress after the transplant, was
is maintaining a relative under Taiwan’s world class health care 02 discharged from hospital
sense of calm and normality while system. Zi-heng’s case was ultimately in June 2020. “We con-
continuing to offer critical medi- referred to Dr. Huang Fang-liang (黃 that this made it easier to commit tinued to follow up on him through
cal care to those with special needs 芳亮), director of the Department of to renting an apartment close to the hospital visits for six months and
from around the globe. Pediatric Hematology and Oncology hospital and spending the next year performed three additional tests to
An inspiring example dem- at TVGH. caring for the infant. confirm there were no cancer cells
o n s t r a t i n g h o w Ta i w a n C a n “Zi-heng was a severe case, and According to Huang, blood tests in his body,” Huang said, adding
Help realize the World Health while he was only 4 months old at showed Zi-heng’s leukocyte count that today, the toddler is no longer
Organization’s goal of Health for the time, there was still hope that we was 85 times higher than average. on medication.
All amid COVID-19 is the story of could save him,” Huang said. But the baby also had a mutation in Although Zi-heng’s treatment
Ng Zi-heng—a 22-month-old tod- As Huang was the only pediatri- the KMT2A gene, implying a rather at TVGH ended, the family opted
dler from New Southbound Policy cian who responded to the family’s pessimistic prognosis for the disease. to stay in Taiwan for several more
(NSP) target countr y Malaysia request for assistance, Zi-heng’s “We explained to the parents that months given the country’s success
who received life-saving treatment parents believed TVGH was his one there were great challenges ahead, in combating coronavirus.
a year ago at Taichung Veterans chance of salvation. But the medical and matters needed to be taken one Lim said it had been an incred-
General Hospital (TVGH) in cen- expenses and logistics proved a near- step at a time,” he said. ible year for all of them. “There were
tral Taiwan. insurmountable challenge. Three chemotherapy sessions so many times when I felt Zi-heng
The NSP is a key plank in the Quick to step into the breach later under the expert and watchful might not make it; words cannot
government’s national development was One Hope Charity, a nonprofit eye of Huang and his team, the can- describe my gratitude to Taiwan.”
01 strategy. It aims to enhance Taiwan’s based in the Malaysian city of Bukit cer cells in Zi-heng were eliminated. The Ngs have since moved back to
agricultural, business, cultural, edu- Mertajam. More than NT$5 mil- Therapy-induced infections were Malaysia, where Zi-heng has his con-
cation, tourism and trade ties with lion (US$175,439) was raised for also properly managed courtesy of dition monitored at a local hospital.
the 10 Association of Southeast Zi-heng within days, which helped TVGH personnel. More good news According to Huang, it was
Asian Nations member states, six the Ng family relocate to Taiwan in came when the hospital identified destiny that brought Zi-heng to
South Asian countries, Australia and November 2019. an exact match for umbilical hema- TVGH. “His parents never gave up
New Zealand. W h e n t h e f a m i l y fi r s t m e t topoietic stem cells, and proceeded on him,” he said, adding that playing
At six weeks, Zi-heng’s parents Huang, he told them he would with a much-needed transplant a part in his recovery was a deeply
noticed a loss of appetite and lump not give up until all options were March 31, 2020. personal and satisfying experience.
near his stomach. Diagnosed with exhausted, Lim said. “I knew at that But it was not all smooth sailing. “Nothing is more rewarding than
01. Dr. Huang Fang-liang, right, gives a high-five to Ng Zi-heng as his father looks on
Feb. 8 at Taichung Veterans General Hospital.
acute lymphoblastic leukemia by a moment that coming to Taiwan was Zi-heng developed postoperative putting the smile back on your
02. Zi-heng receives medical attention from staffers at TVGH. hospital in Kuala Lumpur, the baby the right decision,” she said, adding hepatic vein obstruction, a rare but patient’s face.” n
12 13
No One Left Behind
F
or nearly six decades, Taiwan has been providing medical
and public health assistance to allies and partner coun-
tries. Under the auspices of state-backed International
Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF),
Taiwan honors its commitment to assist those hospitals and nongovernmental organizations, aid is delivered via
facing health challenges in countries around the world. collaborative projects, donations and medical missions.
Although border controls implemented since the COVID-
19 pandemic have prevented most traveling, Taiwan professionals
are continuing to make vital contributions abroad. Specialists from
Taipei Medical University Hospital stationed in the Kingdom of
Eswatini; Taichung City-based Chung Shan Medical University
Hospital, Tuvalu; and Taipei City-based Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su
Memorial Hospital, Palau, have coordinated with government
agencies, hospitals and schools on long-term programs to help
elevate the quality of the allies’ health care systems.
In addition to these activities overseen by individual medical
institutions, many initiatives are provided by Taiwan International
Healthcare Training Center. Established by the Ministry of
Health and Welfare at Taipei Hospital in 2002, the center has
provided clinical training to more than 1,800 health professionals
from 72 countries.
Undeterred by the pandemic, Taiwan continues to help realize
the World Health Organization’s goal of Health For All. n
—by Jim Hwang
01
01. Taipei Medical University Hospital, Kingdom of Eswatini, 2019
02. Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Tuvalu, 2019
01. Courtesy of Taipei Medical University Hospital
02. Courtesy of Chung Shan Medical University Hospital
02
14 15
03 04
01
02 05
01. Taiwan International Heathcare Training Center, Taipei Hospital, 2021
02. International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF), Guatemala, 2020
03. CSMUH, Tuvalu, 2020
04. TMUH, Eswatini, 2019
05. TMUH, Eswatini, 2020
01. Courtesy of Taipei Hospital
02. Courtesy of International Cooperation and Development Fund
03. Courtesy of CSMUH
04 & 05. Courtesy of TMUH
16 17
01
03
01. TMUH, Eswatini, 2020
02. TMUH, Eswatini, 2019
03. CSMUH, Tuvalu, 2020
01 & 02. Courtesy of TMUH
03. Courtesy of CSMUH
02
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