Because the Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion led to a substantial number of burn victims, with assistance from Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps and the Taiwan Medical Association, 6 professors and physicians with professional backgrounds in critical care medicine and burn treatment who were jointly recommended by the Association of Medical Doctors in Asia and the Japan Medical Association reached Taiwan in the afternoon of July 12. Beginning the next day, they spent three consecutive days conducting professional medical exchange at key medical centers treating burn victims from Formosa Fun Coast, including Tri-Service General Hospital, Shin Kong Wu Ho-Su Memorial Hospital, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, and Cathay General Hospital. 

The head of the Japanese physicians group, Naoyuki Matsuda, a professor of emergency and critical care medicine, stated that Taiwan is handling this incident very well and medical treatment standards are high. If a similar incident occurs in Japan, it may be unable to admit and treat the victims properly in as short a time as Taiwan has. He deeply admires Taiwan’s emergency response capabilities. 

During the exchange in Taiwan, the physicians gained a comprehensive understanding of the overall treatment methods of the admitted victims and responses to burn infections and lung infections. Additionally, they exchanged views and shared experiences regarding the actual treatments and medical technology used for patients with extensive and severe burns. A member of the Japan Medical Association stated that treating burn patients is extremely expensive and requires a lengthy course of treatment. It is extremely difficult to achieve without support and resources from the government. 

The MOHW expresses its appreciation toward the members of the Japanese physicians group who came to Taiwan, the Taiwan Root Medical Peace Corps and the Taiwan Medical Association, which facilitated their coming to Taiwan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which provided assistance, and the hospitals that received the Japanese physicians. Before leaving Taiwan, the head of the team, Professor Naoyuki Matsuda, thanked the hospitals for their enthusiasm in receiving them and for their professional exchanges. He was impressed by Taiwan’s critical care and hopes to continue long-term exchange in this area in the future.