Health minister encourages more medical missions abroad

2012/02/01 Taipei, Feb. 1 (CNA) Taiwan can expand its international influence by sending more medical missions abroad, the health minister said Wednesday at a press conference held to celebrate the launch of a book about the island's medical service in Africa. The practice of medicine in under-developed countries offers many advantages, such as an increased visibility for Taiwan and the chance to help doctors become better caregivers, said Chiu Wen-ta. While he served as the president of Taipei Medical University (TMU), Chiu launched 14 short-term medical missions abroad and, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, commissioned two long-term missions to be sent to Swaziland and the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe. "Besides providing necessary treatments, we educate the people on public health, do malaria prevention work and teach nursing students simple skills," said Chi Li-hsing, a doctor who stayed in the West African country for two years. Chi showed pictures of himself in a book, titled "Love in the Equator," treating patients whose deteriorating health condition resulted from a lack of medical resources, delayed diagnosis and unsanitary water supplies that contain pesticides and bacteria. "Our vocation enables us to achieve many things," Chi said, recommending the book to young doctors and fellow physicians. The book symbolizes the strong bond of brotherhood between Taiwan and Sao Tome and Principe, noted Jorge Amado, the country's ambassador to Taiwan. Amado said that Taiwan has been offering assistance in every possible area and acknowledged the island's role as a humanitarian donor. The book is the second in a three-part series on TMU's medical missions abroad. The first, titled "Passion Under the White Coat," was released last June.