The Mobile Medical Mission, a diplomatic project that offers free medical services to Taiwan's allies in the South Pacific and Africa, has cured over 35,000 patients in need, the International Cooperation and Development Fund (ICDF), the government oversight agency, said yesterday.
The ICDF, an independent foundation that provides foreign aid under the commission of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, yesterday held a year-end conference to share its achievements with the public.
Over the past year, the entourage of doctors, medical assistants and technical facilities that tour the remote countryside in Africa and the South Pacific have been well received by the poor and suffering, the ICDF said.
PHOTO: CNA
About 130 doctors and nurses went to a dozen countries -- some of which were not Taiwan's allies -- including the Marshall Islands, Swaziland, Palau, Panama, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and Nauru. Their services were provided free of charge.
A number of people who participated in the medical project -- including doctors, medical volunteers and young men serving military service -- attended the conference yesterday. The Solomon Islands' Ambassador to Taiwan Beraki Jino also attended to thank Taiwan for it's assistance.
Foreign Minister James Huang (
"As long as foreign countries face medical need, Taiwan stands ready to help," he said. "Although Taiwan is not yet a member of the World Health Organization, Taiwan holds onto the belief that medical services have no borders."
Huang added the ministry plans to establish long-term medical service points on the Marshall Islands and the Solomon Islands, and if the outcome is positive, it will be extended to other countries.
Chen Cheng-chung (陳正忠), Secretary-General of the ICDF said "the ICDF will continue to work with Taiwan's best hospitals and diplomatic officials to assist those in need of medical treatment."
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