The new Taiwan-Palau travel bubble is not only sparking interest in tourism, it’s also opening up opportunities for medical care.
Border closures imposed in light of the COVID-19 pandemic had stopped travel between Taiwan and Palau. But starting on April 1, the two countries will resume travel with only limited COVID-19 restrictions.
One hospital in Taipei that’s hoping to attract medical tourists from Palau is Shin Kong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital. Right now there are nearly a dozen inpatients from Palau at the hospital. They are also offering US$500 subsidies to attract other Palauan travelers seeking health checkups.
On Monday, Palauan President Surangel Whipps, Jr. visited Shin Kong Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital for a check-up of his own. The hospital’s deputy superintendent, Hung Tzu-jen, said that the travel bubble will not only boost tourism, it will also enable Palauan patients to once again seek medical treatment in Taiwan.