Premier Lin Chuan says the government must put more resources into the Penghu Islands’ medical system in order to improve the quality of medical care in the islands. The Penghu Islands are located in the Taiwan Strait, to the west of Taiwan.
During a visit to a hospital in the islands on Saturday, Lin said that existing local hospitals aren’t able to meet demand for medical treatment. Lin said that sharing resources with major hospitals in southern Taiwan may help improve the islands’ healthcare system.
Lin said that keeping medical treatment local will be one way of improving the quality of care in the islands. Lin also said that the government will search for economically efficient alternatives to the common practice of medical evacuation by helicopter.
According to Lin, Penghu’s population shows clearer signs of aging than the population on Taiwan. He said that the islands also need a more complete care system for the elderly.