Department of Health, Executive Yuan, R.O.C. (Taiwan)

A medical advisory team organized by the DOH in order to strengthen medical cooperation and ties between Taiwan and Nicaragua reached Nicaragua on March 15. The team discussed cooperation matters and contributed medical supplies to the Nicaraguans.

In accordance with arrangements made by the ROC Embassy in Nicaragua, the advisory team visited the Hospital Antonio Lenin Fonseca—Nicaraguas largest public hospital. Team member Dr. Ting Hsien-wei, a neurosurgeon at the Taoyuan General Hospital, was invited into a surgical room and discussed the patients condition and treatment with neurosurgeons from the hospital. This participation led to the establishment of a cooperative relationship between the two hospitals.

Deputy Section Chief Juan Chuan-chuan, DOH Office of International Cooperation, visited the Nicaraguan Department of Health on March 16. The Nicaraguan Health Minister personally hosted a formal medical supply donation ceremony. The medical supplies, which are valued at more than NT$2 million, include disease prevention supplies, basic medicines, and orthopedic equipment. All of these items are sorely lacking in Nicaragua.

DOH Minister Hou Sheng-mao agreed to provide medical assistance in January 2007, and sent personnel to deliver the assistance to Nicaragua in March. Dra. Maritza Cuan Machado of the Nicaragua Department of Health has been extremely supportive of this effort, and has expressed great respect for the DOH.

The DOH hopes that this medical visit will facilitate the future promotion and implementation of cooperation in medicine and public health between the two countries.