In response to the need for medical care and social welfare in the aftermath of the Formosa Fun Coast incident, Minister Chiang Been-huang of the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) presided at the 15th meeting of the MOHW ad-hoc group this afternoon (July 15th). In addition to the routine follow up on the inventory of medical capacity, medication and medical supplies, medical referrals for the injured, and the scheduling and utilization of domestic medical personnel, the dispersal (payment) of incentive grants for hard work was also discussed. 

1. As of July 14th, the 1957 hotline had received a total of 988 telephone inquiries. Social care workers had been dispatched 2478 times to offer sympathy to 10,406 people. Case follow-ups were performed on a total of 102 people; 37 had no welfare needs, 26 required no follow-up assistance, 3 required psychological consultative services and were referred to mental health centers, 3 had already received psychological consultative services, and 30 had no contact telephone numbers. 

2. A total of 410,800 cm2 of cadaveric skin has been imported from abroad. The cumulative supply is 312,400 cm2 and the cumulative amount used is 218,000 cm2 for a usage ratio of 69.8%. Regarding donations and distribution, 249 batches of drugs and medical equipment have been registered and 30 hospitals have applied for allotments of goods. Following assessment, a total of 183 batches of goods will be delivered. 

3. Statistics on the treatment of victims from the Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion: As of 10:00 AM on July 15th, 388 people continued to receive inpatient treatment; 254 were in intensive care units, 200 were in critical condition, and 5 have passed away. They were treated in 43 hospitals in 13 cities and countries. Additionally, the average percentage of burned area was approximately 44%; 248 people sustained burns that covered over 40% of their bodies and 21 sustained burns that covered over 80% of their body. 

4. The NHI will cover the medical expenses of hospitalization for the injured. The NHI will advance a portion of the burden and self-paid medical expenses first. During rehabilitation after discharge, the NHI will cooperate with a foundation soon to be established by the Executive Yuan for living support and other matters. 

5. The MOHW welcomes the public to visit the Information Section for the 0627 Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion to look up information regarding the supply of medication and medical supplies, the hospitalization and treatment for the victims, social welfare resources and fundraisers. The section can be found at http://www.mohw.gov.tw/CHT/blast/