The North American Taiwanese Medical Association (NATMA) held a flag bestowing ceremony for the Ukrainian medical aid mission on August 12th at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York. They also announced plans to organize a humanitarian medical volunteer team in late August to provide medical consultations and assistance in war-torn Ukraine. The team consists of specialists in internal and emergency medicine, dentistry, mental health, pediatrics, and public health, aiming not only to provide medical services but also to convey Taiwan’s stance on global humanitarian actions.
Dr. Tsai Rong-Cong, a Taiwanese-American physician leading the medical mission, stated that 12 experienced doctors from Taiwan and the United States are participating, along with two accompanying journalists. Reflecting on their experience in Ukraine last year, Dr. Tsai emphasized that while war has ravaged cities and lives, international medical teams’ presence can bring treatment and morale support, highlighting Taiwan’s commitment to supporting freedom and democracy.
Dr. Hsu Wen-Jui, the president of NATMA’s New York chapter, noted the increase in international medical teams in Ukraine over the past two years, underscoring the feasibility and necessity of medical cooperation. Apart from clinical services, this mission involves engaging with medical schools, cultural groups, and examining local healthcare systems to explore collaboration models.
Former NATMA president Dr. Wang Zheng-Qing pointed out that the association has completed nearly 20 overseas medical missions, with all members participating at their own expense without government funding. The aim is to showcase Taiwan’s values distinct from those of China (the CCP) through “medical diplomacy.”
In his address, Director General Li Zhiqiang of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York commended NATMA physicians for embodying the spirit of “everyone is a diplomat” and demonstrating the practicality of “Taiwan Can Help” to the international community. Wang Yiru, director of the New York Overseas Chinese Cultural and Educational Services Center representing the Overseas Chinese Affairs Commission, praised the medical mission for delivering Taiwan’s professionalism and goodwill to Europe during challenging times, showing the care and strength of the overseas Taiwanese community.
Alexandra Malikova, Logistics and Supply Chain Manager of the Ukrainian non-profit organization RaZom, shared the experience of completing 26 facial reconstructive surgeries in western Ukraine by international medical teams, emphasizing the importance of international support in boosting morale. Rud, chairman of the Ukrainian-American Bar Association, reminded about the significance of Western actions in Ukraine regarding deterrence against China (the CCP) and advocated for Taiwan to enhance citizens’ awareness and resist psychological infiltration. Dr. Lechick, President of Archicare, recalled his experiences as a military doctor during the Vietnam War, lamenting that the reality on the war front was far more brutal than depicted in the news.
Guests at the event included representatives from the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, the Chairman of the Taiwan Pavilion, senior advisors from Assemblyman Kim Doon-Seok’s office, and numerous supporters from the medical and charity sectors.
Artist Lin Shibao shared that over the past three years, funds have been raised through artwork sales to donate ambulances, garbage trucks, and other supplies, with plans to create a 2.5-meter “World Peace Bell.” The peace bell in Ukraine will be made from missile debris, with the hope of returning to Ukrainian soil in the future.