TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) visited Shuang Ho Hospital in New Taipei on Thursday to observe a medical load-reduction and underground operations drill.
The president inspected an underground ward with wartime storage spaces, a blood donation station, and key medical areas, including an emergency dialysis unit and an intensive care unit, CNA reported. Lai listened to briefings from medical personnel and received an overview of the underground medical center’s operations.
Medical personnel said the hospital can convert its wards for wartime use within 48 hours of receiving an order to reduce its routine patient load, per CNA. Shortages of painkillers and sedatives are expected during wartime, potentially leaving patients in significant discomfort.
Doctors said ultrasound-guided pain management techniques could be introduced in underground facilities to maintain adequate pain control. To simulate wartime power outages, medical teams also conducted drills using headlamps.
Officials in attendance included Interior Minister Liu Shih-fang (劉世芳), Health Minister Shih Chung-liang (石崇良), Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍), and Defense Minister Wellington Koo (顧立雄). American Institute in Taiwan Director Raymond Greene was also present.
