The Executive Yuan yesterday appointed Minister Without Portfolio Lin Wan-i (林萬億) to head a cross-ministerial task force to ascertain examination standards, assist with children’s transfers and better understand the situation at kindergartens nationwide in response to the continued controversy over an alleged drugging incident.
The task force’s priority is to ensure children’s health, provide parents with information, and maintain trust between parents and caregivers, Executive Yuan spokesman Lin Tzu-lun (林子倫) said.
Caregivers at a chain kindergarten in New Taipei City’s Banciao District (板橋) allegedly gave children phenobarbital to “make them more compliant” as early as the middle of last month and parents of children attending the chain have taken their children to hospitals for checkups.
Photo: Lin Hsiao-yun, Taipei Times
The results of one of the 29 children tested showed traces of benzodiazepine in their system, Ministry of Health and Welfare Hospital and Social Welfare Organizations Administration Commission Chief Executive Officer Lin Ching-feng (林慶豐) said on Thursday.
The child attended one of the chain’s kindergartens in New Taipei City’s Sijhih District (汐止).
New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi (侯友宜) yesterday said that the New Taipei City Education Department had contacted the child’s parents and dispatched officials to ensure that all files at the facility remain untouched for the duration of an investigation into the matter.
The department is to inspect the facility alongside doctors from Tucheng Hospital, New Taipei City Education Department Commissioner Chang Ming-wen (張明文) said yesterday.
The department said it has launched an investigation into kindergartens across the municipality and urged parents to telephone its hotline if they have questions.
The department asked the chain’s head office to take responsibility for the incident and invited company representatives to a meeting.
If the company is found guilty of wrongdoing, it should take responsibility, the department said.
Meanwhile, Taipei General Hospital yesterday said that it was adding inspections for phenobarbital and benzodiazepine to standard checks for children attending kindergartens nationwide.
The hospital said parents should tell their doctor if they wish to pay for additional tests for other substances.
The hospital also said it would provide free consultation for children enrolled in the kindergarten where the alleged incident occurred, adding that these children would be fast-tracked for treatment and all attendant fees would be waived.
Democratic Progressive Party New Taipei City Councilor Lee Yu-tine (李余典) said the city council has approved special funding for medical inspections for the children.
Additional reporting by Wu Liang-yi, Gan Meng-lin and CNA
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