2023-12-26

 

Mr. Benjamin (the forth one from the left) recovered and reborn after receiving treatments at Changhua Christian Hospital
Mr. Benjamin (the forth one from the left) recovered and reborn after receiving treatments at Changhua Christian Hospital


At the beginning of this March, Changhua Christian Hospital (CCH) received an e-mail from a rectal cancer patient in Papua New Guinea (PNG), Mr. Benjamin, inquiring about receiving treatments at CCH. After assessing the medical reports provided by the patient, the colorectal surgeon of CCH, Dr. Yu-Yao Chang, said because the patient’s tumor was too big, radiotherapy and chemotherapy had to be done first. Then, an assessment would be undertaken to see if the tumor is suitable for the surgery. Treatments in Taiwan cost a lot and take more than half a year. Therefore, after communicating with Mr. Benjamin and due to there being no colorectal surgeon in PNG, he decided to have treatments in CCH. After nine months of treatments and two successful surgeries, Mr. Benjamin was reborn and planned to travel back home at the end of December.


Papua New Guinea (PNG) is a country that is extremely deficient in medical resources in the South Pacific region. In PNG, there is only one oncologist and no colorectal surgical specialist. Rectal cancer patients have to be referred to a third country. Mr. Benjamin, who is only thirty-four years old and still a young adult, works in the government department. Unfortunately, he was diagnosed with stage three rectal cancer. Due to this reason, he was referred to CCH through Ms. Janet Yaki, the spouse of the former Foreign Minister, who treated rectal cancer in CCH before. Mr. Benjamin accepted treatments in CCH in the middle of this March and underwent nearly one year of treatments, including radiotherapy, chemotherapy, tumor removal operation, temporary colostomy, and closure surgery. Finally, finishing all the treatments and recovering well, Mr. Benjamin planned to travel back to PNG at the end of this December.

 

Mr. Benjamin’s Appreciation Press Conference.
Mr. Benjamin’s Appreciation Press Conference.


Benjamin said that most of the cancer patients in PNG would choose to go to Singapore or the Philippines for the treatments. The cost of going to Singapore is too high, and most patients cannot afford it. If they choose to go to the Philippines, patients need to go through referral agencies. Not only does the process of the referral take time, but it also costs a lot. Taiwan's medical technology and services rank top in Asia. Receiving treatments in Taiwan not only saves time and no need for agencies, but the costs are also affordable for them. Most important of all, when Benjamin decided to come to CCH, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in PNG and Overseas Medical Missions Center (OMMC) of CCH started to put effort into assistance, including medical visa application, airport pick-up, and drop-off service, accommodation arrangement, care in daily life and assistance in seeing a doctor. These made Benjamin and his family feel like living in their hometown. Benjamin expresses that he is a Christian. The decision to go to CCH made him experience the core value of love and God's love for him. Benjamin is eternally grateful to Dr. Yu-Yao Chang, his attending physician, but he also would like to express gratitude for the medical team led by the superintendent, Dr. Mu-Kuan Chen, and the staff of OMMC, who are just like his family.


Dr. Yu-Yao Chang stated that when he received medical reports provided by the patient, he was worried that the patient could afford the time and the cost because the treatments would take at least a half year. After realizing Benjamin’s decision, Dr. Yu-Yao Chang is strongly dedicated to curing Benjamin. During every appointment, Dr. Yu-Yao Chang let Benjamin understand his treatment progress and answered all his questions. The relationship and trust between the doctor and the patient, as well as the patient’s cooperation, are critical points for a successful surgery. Dr. Yu-Yao Chang stated that he hopes Benjamin can take good care of himself and do regular follow-ups. He looks forward to meeting Benjamin in PNG in the future.


The Changhua Christian Hospital's (CCH) superintendent, Dr. Mu-Kuan Chen, declared that CCH had medical cooperation with Papua New Guinea (PNG) since 2005. CCH not only dispatched medical teams to cooperative hospitals to provide medical service but also trained medical personnel in PNG. Now, CCH is discussing the patient referral MOU with national hospitals in PNG. CCH will be able to service more cancer and severe disease patients in PNG. Dr. Mu-Kuan Chen said CCH is God's hospital. Providing high-quality medical service for patients in developing countries is CCH's mission. In the future, CCH will continue to support medical diplomacy and expand overseas medical services.

 

CCH Superintendent, Dr. Mu-Kuan Chen (Left) and Dr. Yu-Yao Chang (Right) celebrated Mr. Benjamin’s new life.
CCH Superintendent, Dr. Mu-Kuan Chen (Left) and Dr. Yu-Yao Chang (Right) celebrated Mr. Benjamin’s new life.

 

CCH Superintendent, Dr. Mu-Kuan Chen (the forth one from the left) committed that CCH will continue to support medical diplomacy and expand overseas medical services.
CCH Superintendent, Dr. Mu-Kuan Chen (the forth one from the left) committed that CCH will continue to support medical diplomacy and expand overseas medical services.

 

Mr. Benjamin (the second one from the left) expressed his gratitude to the superintendent, Dr. Mu-Kuan Chen, Dr. Yu-Yao Chang, and the staff of OMMC, who are just like his family.
Mr. Benjamin (the second one from the left) expressed his gratitude to the superintendent, Dr. Mu-Kuan Chen, Dr. Yu-Yao Chang, and the staff of OMMC, who are just like his family.

 

The PNG patient, Mr. Benjamin’s letter of appreciation.
The PNG patient, Mr. Benjamin’s letter of appreciation.


Article courtesy of Nina Kao, H. L., CEO of Overseas Medical Mission Center, CCH