Taiwan’s private sector funds life-changing medical treatment for the poor
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The humanitarian largesse of Taiwan’s China Medical University Hospital (CMUH) and Hong Fu Footwear Group (HFFG) helped give a 13-year-old girl from Vietnam a second chance at life. Born in Vietnam to a working class family, Nguyen Thi Loan was afflicted with congenital lymphedema in her left leg. The condition includes significant fluid retention and tissue swelling, resulting in an unsightly limb which rendered walking nearly impossible. In 2012, her plight was brought to the attention of Chen Hung-chi, superintendent of CMUH International Medical Service Centre, and local manufacturing firms. Upon learning of her condition, Chen contacted HFFG, which operates in Vietnam through subsidiary Hong Fu Vietnam Footwear Co. The company provided NT$4 million (US$133,330) for her treatment.
In June 2016, Chen’s medical team performed another five major reconstructive surgeries on Loan, including one to remove a 15-kilogram lymphangioma on her leg. The operations were successful, and after several months of follow-up treatment and rehabilitation at CMUH, she returned to Vietnam on 26 July 2017 accompanied by Chen, a nurse, and a pair of orthopaedic shoes custom made by HFFG. At a news conference shortly before her departure, Loan thanked Taiwan, CMUH, and HFFG for giving her another chance at life.
