Over the past week, the Chiayi Christian Hospital's medical mission team went to remote towns of the Philippines, providing medical services to underprivileged people and signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the provincial government of Negros Oriental in central Philippines to deepen Taiwan-Philippines medical cooperation. From September 10, the hospital’s superintendent, Dr. Chen Wei, led over 20 team members to the Philippines, conducting free medical services in the towns of Mabinay and Bais in Negros Oriental, as well as in Pasig City in Metro Manila. They also visited the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in the Philippines on September 13, and returned to Taiwan on September 16.
The three medical missions served over 1,000 local residents, offering services including orthopedics, pediatrics, and traditional Chinese medicine.
In Mabinay, a female patient has a tumor size over 25 cm on her back, which has gone untreated for nine years due to poverty and lack of hospital equipment. The medical team hopes to collaborate with local hospital’s surgery department in the future to assist in its removal. In Pasig City, the medical team partnered with their sister hospital, Rizal Medical Center (RMC), using a portable ultrasound equipment they brought to diagnose several cases of heart failure and bone deformities requiring urgent care. These patients were referred to RMC for follow-up treatment. During this visit, Chiayi Christian Hospital signed an MOU with the provincial government of Negros Oriental to establish a long-term cooperative relationship.
Dr. Chen said that the medical mission is not just an immediate relief effort, but also aims to establish long-term and sustainable medical support plans through cooperation with local healthcare institutions. Since 2001, Chiayi Christian Hospital has been providing long-term medical services and community support to the Philippines. This year, they made their first visit to the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, where they were received by Deputy Representative Yang Deng-shi.
Yang pointed out that the hospital's medical mission embodies the "Taiwan Can Help" spirit, hoping for further deepening of Taiwan-Philippines cooperation in the future, especially in providing medical expertise and support to remote areas, bringing more aid to the Filipino people.
Aside from providing medical services, the Chiayi Christian Hospital team also actively participated in a children's feeding program, distributing "Gifts of Love"with essential supplies to disadvantaged children, and delivering warmth and care from Taiwan.
Dr. Chen stated that in addition to continuing to promote various medical aid programs in the Philippines, the hospital plans to deepen cooperation with the country through the assistance of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines, benefiting more Filipinos and showcasing Taiwan's medical strength and humanitarian spirit.
