Changhua Hospital Partners with Dacheng Township Farmers' Association to Launch Biweekly Traditional Chinese Medicine Outreach Clinics

(Central News Agency, reporter Zheng Weizhen, Changhua, 11th) Dacheng Township in Changhua County has only one Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic. To address this, the Ministry of Health and Welfare's Changhua Hospital has partnered with the Dacheng Township Farmers' Association to launch a mobile medical service. Starting June 11, 2025, TCM clinics will be held at the farmers' association on Thursday afternoons every two weeks, aiming to alleviate common occupational strains and chronic diseases among the rural population.

The outreach clinic opened this afternoon. Changhua Hospital Superintendent Lai Chung-liang and Dacheng Township Farmers' Association Chairman Tsai Yin-ju witnessed the transformation of the farmers' association into a TCM consultation room. Residents registered on-site, were seen by TCM doctors, and received services including Chinese herbal prescriptions, acupuncture, physical therapy for injuries, and health education based on their conditions. Nursing staff assisted with acupuncture, and pharmacists completed dispensing and medication instructions.

Changhua Hospital stated that Dacheng Township, located in the southwestern corner of Changhua County, has a population of approximately 14,000, with residents aged 65 and over accounting for more than 28% of the total, making it a super-aged society. Most residents are engaged in farming or manual labor, leading to common musculoskeletal issues such as degenerative arthritis, chronic lower back pain, and shoulder and neck soreness. Chronic conditions like hypertension, diabetes, and sleep disorders are also on the rise.

The hospital pointed out that with only one TCM clinic in Dacheng Township, TCM medical resources are clearly insufficient. For elderly residents to travel to Changhua Hospital in Puxin Township, the round trip takes about 100 minutes by car, and public transportation options are limited. Many rely on family members for rides or drive themselves, which increases the burden of seeking medical care and affects the continuity of chronic disease monitoring and treatment.

Superintendent Lai said that medical care should not differ due to distance. To cooperate with the government's policies promoting aging in place and community integrated care, the hospital is investing in rural medical services, actively bringing medical resources into the community rather than making the elderly travel to the hospital. Therefore, they have brought one-stop professional TCM services into the farmers' association, allowing seniors to age safely and live healthily in their familiar environment.

Dr. Feng Tian-hsiang, Director of the Chinese Medicine Department at Changhua Hospital, stated that the outreach clinic launched today at the Dacheng Township Farmers' Association will be held regularly every two weeks on Thursdays from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM. The registration fee is NT$50, with a co-payment of NT$40. (Editor: Kuan Chung-wei) 1150611