Starting in September of this year, Taipei Veterans General Hospital (Taipei VGH) will collaborate with Taiwan International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) to implement a three-year "Mental Health Service System Enhancement Project" in St. Kitts and Nevis. This partnership is not only about providing medical services but also symbolizes the deep friendship between the two nations.

Over the next three years, St. Kitts and Nevis will conduct public mental health screenings and send psychiatric healthcare professionals as seed instructors to Taipei VGH for training each year. This includes online case discussions and on-site training to enhance the provision and accessibility of mental health services for its people.

Commemorative Plaque Presentation Ceremony

On August 26, 2024, Secretary General Amb. Dr. Charles C. Li of the Taiwan ICDF led the project team visited Taipei VGH to present the commemorative plaque, highlighting our joint efforts in advancing medical diplomacy and improving mental health among the people of St. Kitts and Nevis. The plaque was received by Prof. Chen Wei-Ming, the Superintendent of Taipei VGH.

Secretary General Li noted that President William Lai’s emphasis on mental health care in the "Healthy Taiwan" policy addresses a significant global issue. With only two psychiatrists available for the entire population of St. Kitts and Nevis, this shortage severely impacts the nation’s capabilities. The hospital is honored to collaborate with ICDF in supporting Taiwan’s medical diplomacy and responding to Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-Lung’s "Co-Prosperity Project." By focusing on mental health, we aim to build a prosperous and strong nation. Prof. Bai Ya-Mei and her team from the Department of Psychiatry have a significant responsibility to assist St. Kitts and Nevis in talent development, policy formulation, and improving hospital quality.

Secretary General Li mentioned that since 2017, Taiwan ICDF has worked with Taipei VGH on various medical missions, from chronic kidney disease and chronic metabolic syndrome to now mental health. Today's plaque presentation ceremony marks the beginning of the "Mental Health Service System Enhancement Project" for St. Kitts and Nevis, and Secretary General Li extended his deepest thanks on behalf of ICDF.

Director Wang Hung-Tzu of TaiwanICDF’s Humanitarian Assistance Department, along with Director Bai Ya-Mei and Dr. Liou Ying-Jay, from the Department of Psychiatry, visited St. Kitts and Nevis in October 2023 to plan future cooperation. On July 30, 2024, Ambassador Michael C.H. Lin of Taiwan and St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister and Minister of Health Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew signed a formal cooperation agreement representing both nations.

In alignment with government efforts to promote medical diplomacy, our hospital has long established a robust partnership with St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister through Taiwan ICDF. This collaboration aims to enhance St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister’s medical services, including chronic disease prevention and mental health care. This not only improves public health in St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister but also showcases Taiwan's significant contributions to global healthcare. We will continue to support and engage in such meaningful international collaborations in the future.