Taiwan donates Medical supplies

Over 130 pieces of medical equipment were officially handed over to the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (MCMH) last Wednesday, January 19.{{more}}

The donation is the second of its kind after the first in 2009 from the Government of the Republic of China on Taiwan under the Global Medical Instruments Support and Service (GMISS) programme.

Under this programme, member hospitals donate pieces of medical equipment as part of a joint effort with the Taiwanese Government in providing medical care and public health cooperation with that country’s diplomatic allies.

The items donated include operation microscopes, surgery tables, portable ultrasound devices and panoramic therapeutic units.

Ambassador of Taiwan H.E Weber Shih explained that the items sent were identified as those in need by local Ministry of Health officials.

“We appreciate the assistance put by the Ministry of Health in getting the list together,” Ambassador Shih told SEARCHLIGHT.

He also pledged continued support to this country’s health sector.

Cuthbert Knights, Hospital Administrator, thanked the Taiwanese officials for the donation, adding that in light of the high cost of medical equipment, donations such as this provided great assistance in cutting cost.

“We also look forward to continued partnership with the people of Taiwan,” Knights said.

He spoke of the twinning exercise between the MCMH and the Changhua Christian Hospital last September which has also provided medical support.

“We have been benefitting from Taiwan,” he continued.

Minister of Health Cecil McKie, in his address, said that the donated items would have immediate positive impact in the delivery of proper health care throughout the country.

“There is no doubt that persons will become ill. The government has to ensure that top level medical care is made available to the people,” McKie said. (DD)