2023-6-17~2023-6-21

Due to the prolonged impact of the pandemic, Taiwan Adventist Hospital dispatched a medical team consisting of seven members from six major specialties (Metabolism, General Surgery, Rehabilitation, Emergency, Urology, and Obstetrics and Gynecology) to conduct a medical mission in Palau at the Palau Adventist Wellness Center (PAWC). Over the course of two days, the team conducted over 180 consultations, with 25 cases being recommended for referral to Taiwan for further evaluation, examinations, and treatment.

Upon their arrival at the Palau airport, the team received a warm welcome from local SDA church members, including Honorable Bilung and her family, Pastor Daniel Velez and his family, Principal Abner Sanchez and his family, Mr. Eric Whipps and representatives from PAWC, as well as personnel from the Taiwan Embassy in Palau.

The successful completion of the medical mission was made possible thanks to the full assistance and support of the entire PAWC, the local SDA church, and its members. Twelve retired local nurses voluntarily participated in the mission. In recognition of their contribution, a banquet was hosted by the team to express gratitude to all personnel and volunteers involved.

Dignitaries and notable individuals who attended the gratitude banquet include Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., Ambassador of Taiwan Embassy in Palau Jessica Chienyi Lee, Honorable Bilung G. Salii, the newly appointed Paramount High Chief Honorable Ibedul James Lebuu Littler, Palau Senator Manson Whipps, Pastor Daniel Velez, ROP HealthCare Fund and ROPHCF Governing Committee Chairman Dr. Victor M. Yano, Former Ambassador Dilmei L. Olkeriil, Palau SDA School Principal Abner Sanchez, personnel from the Taiwan Embassy in Palau, as well as all personnel of PAWC and volunteers involved.

On behalf of the hospital, the team expresses deep gratitude to the Palau SDA church, its members, and PAWC for their selfless assistance and professional services. Their unwavering support exemplifies the spirit of humanitarianism and significantly contributes to the development and collaboration of global healthcare. The collaborative efforts have led to exceptional achievements, far-reaching impacts, and improved lives. The dedication and expertise of everyone involved have profound significance for the health and well-being of the local residents.

During the visit, the team also paid a visit to the Belau Medical Clinic (BMC), the largest private clinic in Palau. They met with Dr. Victor Yano, the physician in charge and Chairman of Palau Health Care Fund (HCF). Besides presenting the latest referral program proposal, the team discussed potential areas of collaboration between the two institutions.

Additionally, the team visited the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan) in Palau to express gratitude to Ambassador Jessica Chienyi Lee and all the staff for their invaluable assistance. They conveyed the feedback from Palau regarding challenges in procuring and importing medical supplies and pharmaceutical products from Taiwan. The aim is to promote the export of Taiwan’s medical technologies and products to Palau, thereby expanding Taiwan’s healthcare industry on an international level and establishing local connections. Strengthening medical cooperation between Taiwan and Palau will foster the development of Taiwan’s medical equipment, smart healthcare, and biopharmaceutical industries.

The Hospital’s successful medical mission in Palau exemplifies the power of collaboration and gratitude in healthcare. Through the dedicated efforts of the medical team, the support of PAWC, the local SDA church and its members, and the participation of volunteers, over 180 consultations were conducted, with 25 cases identified for referral to Taiwan. This mission not only provided much-needed medical care to the local residents but also strengthened the bonds between Taiwan and Palau in the field of healthcare. The profound impact of this mission serves as a testament to the remarkable achievements that can be accomplished when individuals and organizations unite for a common cause. Taiwan Adventist Hospital expresses heartfelt appreciation to everyone involved and looks forward to continued collaboration and the advancement of international healthcare initiatives.