NIA and Tzu Chi Co-Host Medical and Grooming Services for Foreign Crew Members at Kaohsiung’s Premier Seafarers’ Center
- Date：
- Source：Border Affairs Corps
- Hit：234
- Updated date：2024-12-04
As the autumn fishing season peaks, saury fishing vessels return to Kaohsiung’s Qianzhen Fishing Port, bringing numerous foreign crew members ashore. On November 24, the National Immigration Agency (NIA) partnered with the Tzu Chi Foundation’s Kaohsiung-Pingtung Medical Association to host a medical outreach and haircutting service for foreign crew members employed on Taiwanese deep-sea fishing vessels. This event marked the first time these services were held at the newly inaugurated, star-rated Seafarers’ Center at Qianzhen Fishing Port, providing maritime workers with accessible, high-quality medical and grooming services in a comfortable environment.This initiative was a collaborative effort among multiple organizations, including the NIA’s Border Affairs Corps, Kaohsiung Port Border Affairs Brigade, Ethics Office, Southern Region Affairs Corps Kaohsiung First Service Center, the Tzu Chi Foundation’s Kaohsiung-Pingtung Medical Association, the Ministry of Agriculture’s Fisheries Agency, the Kaohsiung City Marine Bureau, the Kaohsiung Fishermen’s Association, the Tzu Chi Da Ai Haircut Team, and industry groups such as the Taiwan Deep Sea Tuna Purse Seine, Saury, and Squid Fisheries Associations. Other partners included the Taiwan Deep Sea Fisheries Youth Association and the Taiwan Presbyterian Church’s Seafarer and Fisherman Service Center.
The event provided free medical consultations and grooming services for foreign crew members stationed at Qianzhen. Medical services included traditional Chinese medicine (acupuncture included), ophthalmology, dentistry, internal medicine, general surgery, and diagnostic procedures such as blood pressure and glucose testing, abdominal ultrasounds, and electrocardiograms.
The event coincided with the busy saury fishing season, attracting a significant number of foreign crew members. Given their prolonged time at sea, many lacked access to adequate dental care. To address this, additional dentists were recruited to provide specialized oral health services. Additionally, several new immigrants volunteered as interpreters, ensuring smooth communication throughout the event. By noon, the outreach had successfully concluded, offering medical consultations and haircuts to numerous crew members, leaving a lasting impression of Taiwanese hospitality and warmth.
Crew members expressed their gratitude, noting the challenges they face in accessing healthcare in their home countries, which often requires long journeys and high costs. Medical resources at sea are limited, forcing them to rely on over-the-counter medication for temporary relief. Being able to receive free medical care during their port stay not only accommodated their demanding schedules but also safeguarded their health. Many also took advantage of the haircutting service to freshen their appearance.
To enhance the experience, the Seafarers’ Center offered recreational amenities, such as basketball arcade machines and pool tables, allowing crew members to relax while waiting for their turn. The organizers also provided complimentary meal boxes for those who had fasted prior to glucose testing, demonstrating thoughtful care for the participants’ well-being.
NIA Director-General Bill Chung emphasized the agency’s commitment to supporting foreign crew members, whose hard work significantly contributes to Taiwan’s fishing industry. He noted that this year’s abundant saury catch is a testament to their dedication. By collaborating with Tzu Chi and other partners, the NIA leveraged the port downtime to offer these workers a much-needed opportunity for healthcare and community care, underscoring Taiwan’s gratitude for their contributions.
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NIA and Tzu Chi co-host medical and grooming services for foreign crew members.
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Foreign crew members queue for medical check-ups and haircuts.
Foreign crew members receiving haircut services.
Foreign crew members receiving dental check-up services.