National Immigration Agency Hosts Free Medical Consultation for Foreign Crew Members in Donggang and Xiaoliuqiu
On July 14, 2024, the Kaohsiung Harbor Team of the National Immigration Agency's Border Affairs Corps, in collaboration with the Tzu Chi International Medical Association, the Kaohsiung City First Service Center of the Southern Administration Corps, the Fisheries Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Donggang Fishermen's Association, the Taiwan Tuna Longline Association, and the Pingtung County Physical Therapists’ Association Mobile Home Physical Therapy Clinic, held a free medical consultation event for foreign crew members in Donggang and Xiaoliuqiu areas. The medical services included traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture included), ophthalmology, dentistry, family medicine, blood pressure (blood sugar) testing, abdominal ultrasound, electrocardiograms, and general internal and external medicine. This year's event introduced mobile home physical therapy, giving crew members who work long hours at sea the opportunity to receive physical therapy to relieve physical discomfort, which was highly praised by the seafarers.
As the event coincided with the peak fishing season of the Donggang tuna season, the number of foreign crew members seeking medical consultation was very high. The organizers had planned ahead and dispatched additional doctors. Over twenty Indonesian new immigrants volunteered as interpreters, assisting medical personnel in communicating with the fishermen, ensuring the smooth progress of the event, which concluded successfully at 1 PM. The event provided free medical consultations to 89 foreign crew members, showcasing the friendliness and warmth of the Taiwanese people to those working away from home.
Most fishing boats in the Donggang area employ Indonesian crew members. These crew members mentioned that undergoing health checks in Indonesia is very expensive, and it is inconvenient to seek medical care while working at sea, often relying on over-the-counter medication to relieve discomfort. During their port rest period, they could receive free medical consultations in Taiwan. Additionally, there was a free haircut service at the site, allowing crew members to get a fresh haircut while waiting for their medical consultation, providing great convenience as they didn't have to go to a barbershop in the city.
Lastly, the crew members needed to fast before the medical consultation for accurate blood sugar testing. The Taiwan Tuna Longline Association thoughtfully provided free meal boxes on-site, allowing the crew members to replenish their energy after check-up. The crew members expressed their heartfelt gratitude through the interpreters for the care and attention from the National Immigration Agency and other organizing units.
Director-General of the National Immigration Agency, Chung Ching-kun, stated that this year's tuna catch in Donggang was abundant, and both the ship owners and foreign crew members have worked particularly hard. As the fishing season draws to a close, the National Immigration Agency, in conjunction with Tzu Chi and other units, organized this free medical consultation event, offering the hardworking crew members an opportunity for free medical care, and expressed appreciation for their dedication to Taiwan's fisheries.
Sources: Ministry of the Interior
