In response to the needs for medical care and social welfare in the aftermath of the Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion,Minister Chiang Been-Huang of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) presided at the 17th meeting of the MOHW ad-hoc group at noon today (July 20th). In addition to the routine follow-up meeting on the inventory of medical capacity, the supplies of medicines and medical materials, patient referrals, and the scheduling and utilization of domestic medical personnel, the planning of support systems for case-based subsequent rehabilitation and psychological care, and other matters were also discussed. 

1. As of July 19th, the responsible units of voluntary care service had dispatched medical social workers 11,376 times to offer care services for 23,952 people, including patients and their family members. Case follow-ups were performed on a total of 127 people: 54 had no welfare needs, 40 required no follow-up assistance, 3 had already received psychological counseling services, and 30 did not leave contact telephone numbers. 

2. Cadaveric skin with a total area of 530,300 cm2 from abroad has been imported into Taiwan, including 402,700 cm2 that has been delivered to 31 hospitals, and a total of 282,600 cm2 has been reported to have been used by 27 hospitals. The utilization rate of cadaveric skin is 70.2%. As for the donated medical resources and their delivery situation, a total of 428 batches of medicines and medical materials have been registered, and a total of 31 hospitals have applied for the delivery of these medical resources. After evaluation, a total of 261 batches of medical resources will be delivered to the hospitals with special needs. 

3. Statistics of hospitalization and treatment for the victims of the Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion: As of 12:00 a.m. on July 20th, a total of 362 people continued to receive inpatient treatment in 42 hospitals. Of the hospitalized victims, 228 people were in intensive care units, 171 people were in critical condition, and 8 people have passed away. They are being treated in 42 hospitals in 13 cities and counties. 

4. There are 918 beds available in intensive care units and 48 beds available in burn intensive care units. The Emergency Operation Center (EOC) has helped referral arrangements for 34 cases, including 32 cases that have been completed, and 2 cases that are continuously being tracked. In addition, the MOHW Medical Advisory Group has visited and helped 79 patients in 9 hospitals. 

5. The Medical Management Group of the Johns Hopkins Burn Center will visit the Mackay Memorial Hospital and other hospitals during their stay in Taiwan to help medical management and to exchange healthcare techniques on dealing with the treatment of injured victims in large-scale accidents and other matters with domestic medical personnel. 

6. For any relevant information about the supplies of medicines and medical materials, the hospitalization and treatment of victims, social welfare resources, fundraising, and other matters, please search the “Information Section for the 0627 Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion” at http://www.mohw.gov.tw/CHT/blast/ on the MOHW official website.