wfn.org | Taiwan's Mackay Hospital: "No Cover Up" for SARS Exposed

[Taiwan Church News <pctpress@ms1.hinet.net>]

"Tourist Doctor"
Taiwan Church News 2673, May 21, 2003
Reported by Li Shin-ren. Translated and rewritten by David
Alexander

   Since its founding in the 19th century, Mackay Memorial
Hospital in Taipei has been a vital part of the ministry of the
Presbyterian Church in Taiwan to the people of this nation.
   Last month, a Mackay doctor surnamed Chou violated Taiwan's
health regulations and went touring in Japan, even though he had
been involved in treatment of SARS patients.  The hospital takes
the case very seriously. On May 17th at an open press conference
it reported that, prior to his departure for Japan, Dr. Chou did
not know he had been infected.	He began to run a fever while
abroad, and upon return he felt the bodily discomfort that
accompanies SARS.  He voluntarily returned to the hospital and
entered quarantine and treatment.  Mackay reported the case to
the proper government authorities immediately, and the health
department indicated satisfaction with the procedures.
   Besides offering a public apology, a hospital spokesperson
asserted Mackay's agreement with the principle that people who
know they have been exposed to SARS should not endanger the
public.  Dr. Chou was unaware of his infection when he went on
his trip abroad. He put people at risk.  Hospital Superintendent
Dr. Huang Chun-hsiung
expressed full apologies, and hopes that Japanese people can be
understanding as they take measures to prevent SARS.
   Regarding Dr. Chou himself, the hospital's deputy director of
operations, Wang Yang-ming, said, "Full medical efforts are being
made towards his healing. He is isolated from outside contact."
Dr. Chou is in stable condition as his condition proceeds. The
hospital's chaplaincy department is also active in showing
concern for Dr. Chou, though from outside the quarantine room.
   Dr Wang was asked if there are avenues within the medical
profession for penalizing Dr. Chou. He replied that he was not
clear as yet what penalties might apply, but at this stage the
main thing was to save a life. At the time of the conference, in
addition to Dr. Chou, Mackay had 42 other SARS patients in
quarantine and therapy.
Dr. Wang asked churches to pray for the patients and the medical
staff.
   He also asked for the mass media and the public at large to
continue to trust Mackay Hospital.  As early as a month ago
emergency room procedures had been reconfigured to create 7
quarantine rooms.  At the hospital's branch in the Taipei suburb
of Tam-sui, two floors were specially set up for SARS cases.
Respiratory and hospice staff there were placed into quarantine.
Though Mackay was the first hospital in Taiwan to reconfigure for
SARS, the case of Dr. Chou's vacation trip has overshadowed all
the good that was done.  The hospital has gone into action on the
case, and asks for calm and trust at this time.

For more information: Mackay Memorial Hospital	www.mmh.org.tw

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