TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Tainan City Government on Thursday held a groundbreaking ceremony for Shalun Hospital, a key project under the Shalun Healthcare and Innovation Park.

President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) said the hospital will use artificial intelligence and smart systems to speed up treatment and ease staff workloads, according to a press release. He said the site will work with research teams to develop smart healthcare and regenerative medicine.

Tainan Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) said the hospital marks a major step as the city pursues its “southern Silicon Valley” vision. Strong medical services are needed to make the area easier to live and work in, he said.

The city said the hospital will have 664 beds, include facilities for disaster response, and house Tainan’s first children’s medical center. Officials said the design will also strengthen resilience and expand the use of telemedicine.

Shalun Hospital is expected to drive health innovation in southern Taiwan. The city said the hospital is set to open in 2032 and will serve Tainan and nearby areas, including parts of Kaohsiung.