From Taiwan to the War Zone of Ukraine: Mackay TCM Receives International Medical Service Contribution Award and Is Received by the President

Mackay Memorial Hospital's Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been honored with the 'International Medical Service Contribution Award' by the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies. Department Director Chen Kuang-wei attended the award ceremony and was received by President Lai Qing-te at the Presidential Office on the 15th. President Chang Wen-han stated that this award not only recognizes Mackay TCM's long-term commitment to international humanitarian medical services but also showcases the power of TCM treatment to the world, further highlighting the increasingly pivotal role of the TCM department within the Mackay healthcare system.

Director Chen Kuang-wei has participated in multiple medical missions to Ukraine, providing acupuncture, cupping, and gua sha treatments that have been highly appreciated by local residents and wounded soldiers. He emphasized that TCM therapies such as acupuncture, laser acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, and massage offer immediate, diverse treatment options for patients. During the medical missions in Ukraine, the advantages of TCM—simplicity, accessibility, affordability, and effectiveness—proved especially valuable in war-torn areas with scarce medical resources, providing immediate relief to patients. Notably, some injured soldiers even inquired about the possibility of receiving long-term treatment in Taiwan, reflecting a high level of trust and demand for TCM.

President Chang Wen-han noted that since its establishment in 2017, the TCM Department has steadily developed with board support, establishing the Integrated Chinese-Western Medicine Center in 2023. Services have expanded to Tamsui, Taitung, Hsinchu, and Hsinchu City Mackay Children's Hospital, offering comprehensive care in internal medicine, gynecology and pediatrics, acupuncture, and orthopedics. Mackay employs a 'one clinic, two physicians' model, enabling collaborative treatment by TCM and Western medicine doctors, demonstrating complementary effectiveness in cancer, emergency, stroke, and chronic disease care.

In pediatric care, the TCM Department uses acupuncture to support critical care and early intervention. An 8-year-old girl with acute disseminated encephalomyelitis regained consciousness and was discharged after acupuncture stimulation of 'consciousness-opening and spirit-awakening' acupoints. At Hsinchu Children's Hospital, a child with cerebral palsy progressed from using a walker to walking with wall support and speaking full sentences after six months of scalp acupuncture therapy. Currently, stroke patients at Mackay Hospital begin integrated TCM and Western treatment upon entering the ICU, with many showing significant improvement through TCM acupuncture, yielding excellent outcomes.

President Chang Wen-han stated that this award not only affirms the Mackay TCM team's capabilities on the international humanitarian stage but also demonstrates the power of TCM to the world. Moving forward, the hospital will continue to deepen clinical evidence and training in integrated Chinese-Western medicine, ensuring TCM's medical advantages take root wherever needed in Taiwan and are extended to every corner of the world.