Tzu Chi Dalin General Hospital
Translated by Joy Hsiao, New York
After the opening of the Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital,
Master Cheng Yen realized that there were still many areas in
Taiwan that lacked medical resources and were in need of hospitals.
After careful assessments, it was decided that the second Tzu
Chi hospital would be built in the town of Dalin in Chiayi County.
Many supporters were actively involved in resolving problems
regarding the construction site, and after numerous efforts
the construction of the Dalin General Hospital began on October
13, 1996. A rough plan for the hospital is as follows:
1. Provide funding for both outpatient and
inpatient services for general and specialty care.
2. Provide funding for needy patients.
3. Provide rehabilitation for patients with
chronic diseases such as cancer or mental illness.
4. Manage a nursing home with medical care
and rehabilitation for elderly patients with chronic diseases
and with no family to depend on.
5. Manage a hospice to provide terminal patients
with appropriate medical care.
6. Provide community residents with home care.
7. Coordinate with other health bureaus to
assist in general care and public health issues.
8. Provide training facilities for medical
school students and hospital residents, train specialists and
attending physicians, and manage continuing education for physicians.
9. Provide medical care professionals with
opportunities for continuing education and training.
10. Provide technical assistance to medical
institutions in nearby areas and organize local symposiums and
conferences for clinical case discussions.
Tzu Chi Dalin General Hospital will raise
the quality of medical care in the Chiayi and Yunlin areas and
take care of the health of the residents in this area.
