TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim (蕭美琴) traveled to Hualien on Sunday to give a speech at the annual meeting of the Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Fund.
The annual multiday event brings doctors and nurses from all of Tzu Chi’s medical hospitals together to discuss innovations in medical care and treatment. Hsiao acknowledged that events such as the conference show Tzu Chi's commitment to the latest medical technology and medical care, per CNA.
Hsiao said she was honored to present awards to those who have made significant contributions in medicine and science. She expressed her respect to Tzu Chi founder, Master Cheng Yen (證嚴), and all of the nuns residing at the Jing Si Abode in Hualien.
Hsiao thanked Tzu Chi for its commitment to Hualien and the continued expansion of medical services in the area. Hsiao said this investment has meant that Hualien no longer lacks medical resources but is a community that can access the latest medical science.
According to Hsiao, the spirit of this Buddhist organization has spread from its home in Hualien to the entire world, especially during natural disasters and pandemics. Hsiao said Tzu Chi volunteers are always on the front line, not only comforting people's hearts but also distributing material resources and manpower to show that “Taiwan Can Help.”
She said Tzu Chi's work has even bolstered Taiwan's international reputation. For example, when Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru was a member of parliament, he visited Taiwan and mentioned Taiwan's volunteer spirit, which was on display after every typhoon and earthquake disaster in his country.
Later, Hsiao cited a Newsweek magazine article that ranked hospitals in various countries. Among the 35 hospitals evaluated in Taiwan, Tzu Chi hospitals in Hualien, Taipei, and Taichung were among the top.
Hsiao said Tzu Chi's care and compassion for all citizens can be passed on. She acknowledged that this care is the joint effort of many people who need to come together to make Taiwan a healthy, stable society.
