Taiwan’s Mackay Memorial Hospital on Medical Mission to SVG

Five health care specialists from Taiwan are currently providing medical services in St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG),under a Medical Mission which opened on March 10, and will run until March 21,2025, at three public health facilities across the state.

The team from the Mackay Memorial Hospital (MMH) is providing medical assistance in cardiology, neurology, ENT, and emergency medicine at the Milton Cato Memorial

Hospital (MCMH), the Modern Medical and Diagnostic Centre (MMDC), and Poly Clinics. A release from the Taiwan Embassy said this initiative, organized by the Ministry of Health and the Environment in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of China (Taiwan), underscores Taiwan’s ongoing commitment to strengthening healthcare in SVG.

The team is led by Director Tsai Weide, and marks the second medical mission from the MMH to SVG.

An opening ceremony was held on March 10, 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Consumer Affairs.

During the ceremony, Taiwan’s Ambassador to SVG, Fiona Fan highlighted that country’s dedication to improving healthcare and fostering regional partnerships.

She expressed gratitude for SVG’s steadfast support for Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Organization (WHO). Prior to the event, Ambassador Fan also handed over an ambulance to the government of SVG, and emphasised Taiwan’s unwavering support for the nation, particularly for the people of Union Island who require emergency medical services.

The Ambassador also cited the Arnos Vale Acute Care Hospital, currently under construction, as a flagship project that symbolizes Taiwan’s commitment to enhancing SVG’s healthcare infrastructure.

“This hospital represents more than just an investment in bricks and mortar—it is an investment in the future, a pillar of strength that will provide Vincentians with critical healthcare services on an unprecedented scale,” she stated.

Minister of Health, St Clair Prince welcomed the medical team and commended Taiwan’s continued support, including the construction of the Arnos Vale Acute Care Hospital, the provision of medical teams, and the donation of the ambulance. He also praised the visiting specialists for their role in capacity building, particularly through the organization of four medical workshops.

Following the opening ceremony, Ambassador Fan visited the Milton

Cato Memorial Hospital, where she met with doctors performing critical treatment and observed the Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) workshops. These sessions, designed for healthcare workers, police officers, coast guard personnel, and firefighters, aim to enhance emergency medical response capabilities across SVG.

Taiwan’s partnership with St Vincent and the Grenadines is built on shared values and a commitment to global cooperation, the release stated, noting that “together, both nations will continue working toward a healthier, more resilient future for all”.