For the last few decades, Taiwan's well-known Economic Miracle ranked 19th economically in the world, and 15th in the world in trade. Its foreign exchange reserve was ranked third. Gross National Product (GNP) of Taiwan exceeds USD14,000. Taiwan is second in the world in the area of health within the rankings of world economic competitiveness. The level of medical and economic development in Taiwan is comparable to those of developed countries. Taiwan has become a developed nation through the promotion of international prosperity in economics, trade, and the provision of foreign aid.The aim of providing foreign aid is to integrate government and civilresources with Taiwan's declared aim of international cooperation. This will enhance the level of technical collaboration, and assist countries with diplomatic ties to Taiwan to develop economically and socially. Government and civil groups in Taiwan assisted in rescue and cooperation efforts from 1995 to 2004 with an investment of over USD $200 million. More than 80 countries and territories were assisted. So far, the government and civil medical care organizations has actively promoted the work of medical care and health on a global level through over 100 bi-lateral and international cooperation projects on health.
Three important divisions define medical care in Taiwan. They are: technical assistance and training, medical support and donation and humane aid.
1. Technical Assistance and Training
Cooperation between Mongolian Hospital and Taipei Hospital, MOHW & Taiwan Medical Mission in MalawiOver 10 hospitals in Taiwan have established academic and technical exchanges with other medical groups abroad, trained medical personnel and assisted in medical student training. Currently, the training has produced hundreds of the medical personnel.Taiwan hospitals also receive foreign groups of medical personnel for training in the long-term. Some international milestones include living liver transplantation surgery conducted at Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital in Kaohsiung, orbicularis cell transplantation and craniofacial deformity at Chang- Gung Memorial Hospital in Linkou, twin operations at Tzu Chi Hospital, laparoscopic operation and obesity surgery at En Chu Kong Hospital, heart transplantation at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital and rare facial gigantiform cementoma and singular Hallervorden Spatz syndrome. A brief introduction to the above can be found in the description of each hospital.
Bedside computer services in mobile hospital. & Orthopedic consultation in Mzuzu Central Hospital, Malawi
To promote the training of medical personnel in Taiwan,Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), Executive Yuan, founded the International Medical Training Center in Taipei Hospital. In August 2002, MOHW welcomed for the first time medical personnel from other countries for medical training. By September 2005, 26 international groups had received training in Taiwan. In addition, the International Ward and Medical Center was established in Tao-Yuan General Hospital, Department of Health in November 2005.
2. Medical Support and Donations
Approximately 26 organizations in Taiwan contribute medical resources of over USD$66 million to 55 countries. The Eden Social Welfare Foundation and International Buddhist Progress Society donates more than 6,000 wheelchairs annually. Concerning hospitals providing medical resources, approximately 26 organizations in Taiwan contribute medical resources of over USD$66 million to 55 countries. The Eden Social Welfare Foundation and International Buddhist Progress Society donates more than 6,000 wheelchairs annually. Concerning hospitals providing medical resources, Cathay General Hospital, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Chang-Gung Memorial Hospital in Chiayi, Tzu Chi Hospital and Tsaotun Psychiatric Center currently made substantial contributions. Countries to receive donations from Taiwan include： Kiribati, Indonesia, Honduras, Afghanistan, Iran and China.The donations include infant oxygen hoods, and incubators.
3. Humanitarian Aid
Community medical services in northern MalawiTaiwan sends medical personnel to promote health education, prevention and control of communicable disease and provision of medical services routinely. When severe disaster strikes a country, medication for urgent rescue and daily goods are supplied.Diagnostic services, surgeries and work for prevention of communicable diseases are offered.Taiwan-supported nations include Guinea-Bissau, Central African Republic, Malawi, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam, Palau, North Thailand, Mongolia, India, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Myanmar, Philippines, Nepal and Sao Tome and Principe.
At least 15 hospitals in Taiwan have sent their personnel for further assistance. Since 2002, Pingtung Christian Hospital has taken over Taiwan's medical group residing in Malawi. A hospital was established and medical personnel are trained locally. After the earthquake and tsunami in south Asia in 2005,Taichung Hospital, Hsin Chu General Hospital and Taipei Hospital from Department of Health, Min-Sheng General Hospital, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taipei Municipal WanFang Hospital and Tzu Chi Hospital sent groups to provide rescue and assistance."