President Tsai visits Mbabane Government Hospital in Swaziland
President Tsai Ing-wen, on a state visit codenamed "Taiwan and Swaziland: Enduring Partners," toured the Outpatient Department and the Emergency Complex at Mbabane Government Hospital in Swaziland at 9:20 a.m. local time (3:20 p.m. Taipei time) on Wednesday, April 18.
Upon arrival, President Tsai was briefed by Dr. Tu Chi-cheng (杜繼誠), head of the Taiwan Medical Mission in Swaziland, and then toured the construction site of the Outpatient Department and the Emergency Complex. Mr. Roger Tsai (蔡欽耀), a director from Taiwan's CECI Engineering Consultants, Inc., briefed the president on the reconstruction work.
The following is a transcript of President Tsai's remarks:
Thank you for welcoming me to Mbabane Government Hospital. This is my first trip to Africa, and particularly Swaziland, so I'm eager to see as much as I can and do as much as I can.
I know that healthcare is important to Swaziland. Despite all the progress made over the past years, I recognize there are monumental challenges that remain in terms of HIV/AIDS, infectious diseases, and ensuring the ample supply of doctors and nurses. I'm so glad that we have so many young and promising doctors who have experiences in Taiwan and who can make it here today with us.
Taiwan has an obligation to help. Good healthcare starts with good primary care. Dr. Tu and his colleagues at the Taiwan Medical Mission have traveled across this country, from Ngudzeni to Endzingeni, engaging in outreach and providing free medical checkups. Their work has touched the lives of thousands of Swazi people all across the country. Furthermore, I know that their presence here in this government hospital has strengthened the work of Swaziland's health practitioners.
Since 2008, this team has been handling many difficult cases that would have been referred to South Africa in the past. They have assisted in hospital management and the training of new doctors. They have come up with new hygiene and nutrition programs for children, too.
With the completion of the Referral and Emergency Complex next year – a facility made possible by support from the Taiwanese people – Taiwan will be able to do even more to enhance Swaziland's health services.
All this work complements His Majesty the King's National Development Strategy Vision 2022. As a partner and friend, Taiwan is committed to supporting the objectives laid out in this strategy, which will improve the lives and the living standards of all people in Swaziland.
Another part of Taiwan's work is to support the training of Swazi doctors. I am pleased today to meet 10 new graduates from I-Shou University's School of Medicine in Taiwan.
You are the first class of graduates from Taiwan. Sixty more medical students, currently studying in Taiwan, will soon follow in your footsteps. What you do will reflect on the promise of the longstanding partnership between Taiwan and Swaziland. My congratulations to you on your graduation and my best wishes as you begin your careers.
After her English remarks, President Tsai addressed the Taiwan Medical Mission.
Speaking in Mandarin, the president stated that in addition to seeing the accomplishments of Taiwan-Swaziland medical cooperation first-hand, it was most important to see Dr. Tu, our friends in the medical mission, and young men doing their alternative national service overseas to express her gratitude for their efforts in person.
President Tsai emphasized that over the past several years, the members of the medical mission have not only improved local healthcare, but also strengthened the friendship between Taiwan and Swaziland. They have all come to a far-away country, giving their all while overcoming all kinds of challenges, a grueling test for everyone. The president invited Taipei Medical University Hospital Superintendent Dr. Ray Jade Chen (陳瑞杰) to accompany her so that he could really understand suggestions by medical mission personnel, and help them resolve problems. Wherever the government can help, the president pledged to support the Taiwan Medical Mission, and work together to further Taiwan's foreign relations.
Also on hand were Swaziland officials: Deputy Prime Minister (Acting Prime Minister) Paul Dlamini, Minister of Economic Planning and Development Prince Hlangusemphi, and Minister of Public Works and Transport Lindiwe Dlamini; and Taiwan officials: National Security Council Secretary-General David T. Lee (李大維), Minister of Foreign Affairs Joseph Wu (吳釗燮), National Security Council Deputy Secretary-General Tsai Ming-yen (蔡明彥), Deputy Minister of Health and Welfare Ho Chi-Kung (何啟功), and ROC Ambassador to Swaziland Thomas J.C. Chen (陳經銓).