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Latest split shows need for medical diplomacy

THE AMBIGUOUS DIPLOMATIC relationship between Taiwan and Malawi has finally come to an end. This is not merely a regretful conclusion, signifying yet another small defeat for Taiwan's diplomatic relations. It also highlights the realities of international diplomacy, which is only concerned with gains or losses, and shows little concern for morality and doing what is right.

Given this international reality, we must consider what advantages Taiwan has that cannot be ignored by the international community, and what strengths it has that cannot be shaken by China.

One example is the electronics industry, the pride of Taiwan. Taiwan's position in the field is not shaken despite increasing Taiwanese investment in China, or by China's growing role in global manufacturing.

Only real strengths and expertise will help Taiwan survive in the hostile environment of the international community. In this way, the country's situation is comparable to Israel's.

Over the past several years, Taiwan's sanitation standards, its medical industry and clinical technologies have improved and now match international standards. Taiwan has for a long time been in a position where we can lend help to other countries. Hence, the government has made a strong push to promote "medical diplomacy." The most important part of this diplomatic initiative consists of the delivery of international medical assistance.

In 2000, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the International Cooperation and Development Fund (國際發合作基金會) started setting up medical units in northern Malawi to assist the Malawian government in dispensing medical services to the area's more than 2 million residents.

I have personally worked for two years in these medical units as an orthopedist. During that time, other than providing orthopedic care, I witnessed how our team worked hard to provide medical services in HIV, obstetric and and pediatric care.

Apart from a gesture of friendship from Taiwan to Malawi, I strongly feel that our efforts also have been the best means of breaking down national, racial and political barriers.

Despite these efforts, the Malawian government's decision to sever times with Taiwan raises the unavoidable question of whether the past efforts of our medical teams have come to nothing.

When it comes to the future promotion of medical diplomacy initiatives, this valuable experience has given Taiwan a better understanding of the operations of international medical organizations and initiatives.

It has also made the international community take note of Taiwan's outstanding personnel and resources and the fact that Taiwan is qualified to help serve the world with professional skills and dedication, thereby making it invaluable in the international community.

Faced with our difficult position, we should not wallow in self-pity. Rather, medical professionals must rally and bring Taiwan's successful experience to the world.

With the help of our outstanding team of devoted professionals, we should turn international medical assistance into a means through which Taiwan can survive in the international community.

This is a responsibility that we as medical professionals must shoulder.

Only through enforcing our national strengths can we make ourselves indispensable to the international community -- and only then do we stand a chance of survival.

Chen Hou-chaung is an orthopedics consultant at Taichung Hospital.

TRANSLATED BY ANGELA HONG
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