Taiwan Mobile Medical Mission brings new healthcare ideas to SKN
By Ryan Haas
Reporter-SKNVibes.com
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| Members of the ICDF sponsored Taiwan Mobile Medical Mission |
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts - SIX doctors, two nurses and one pharmacist from the China Medical University Hospital in Taiwan have travelled halfway around the world for a special exchange programme from July 7-19. While in the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis they will share their unique expertise and experiences with doctors and patients.
SKNVibes was granted a special interview with the Taiwan Mobile Medical Mission in which Dr. Hsi-chin Wu, an urologist with the group, outlined some of the goals and functions of the Mission.
“We are here as part of the International Cooperation and Development Fund, which is a non-governmental organisation in Taiwan,” explained Wu. “Our mission is to communicate our experiences in medicine with our ally nations.”
He added that the Mission’s visit to the Federation was particularly important because the Joseph N. France General Hospital is the sister institution of the
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| Medical faculty at the JNF Hospital exchange ideas with their foreign counterparts |
China Medical University Hospital.
“During our time here we will be engaging in morning symposiums with the medical faculty, which act as sharing experiences between our staffs. Then we meet briefly to discuss the session before we begin to see patients for the day,” said Dr. Wei-Cheng Chou, a surgery and urology specialist.
Wu explained that the morning symposiums have so far covered a variety of issues affecting St. Kitts and Nevis, including antibody resistance strength, new treatments for enlarged prostates and cardiology advancements.
One of the most unique aspects of the Mission is that it marks the first time acupuncture and other Eastern alternative treatments have been introduced to St. Kitts and Nevis.
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A patient receives ‘cupping’ for shoulder pain
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According to Dr. Li Chia-Ling, Kittitians have been somewhat hesitant about receiving the needle-based treatment, but she did manage to convince one local person to experience its benefits.
“Many people here deal with obesity, and this patient I had complained about leg pain because she was overweight. She initially was afraid of the needle, but after the first one she felt much more comfortable and had her pain relieved,” Dr. Li said.
Though the needles are an intimidating two inches long, the doctor made it clear that there is only slight pinch at the beginning of the procedure followed by a warm sensation of relief in the area.
Acupuncture has been proven through peer-reviewed medical research to relieve pain, cure insomnia, curb appetite and alleviate chronic headaches among other things.
Other alternative treatments being used by Li while in the Federation include herbal remedies and a procedure called ‘cupping’, which involves suction-cupping muscles for around five minutes to give a massage-like relief of tension. ~~Adz:Right~~
The Mobile Medical Mission will end its visit to St. Kitts on Friday, July 11 and will be present at the Alexandra Hospital in Nevis from July 14-17. Members of the public are encouraged to take advantage of this rare opportunity to experience healthcare practices and advice that is rarely available in the region.
