In response to the needs for medical care and social welfare in the aftermath of the Formosa Fun Coast Dust Explosion ,Deputy Minister Lin Tzou-Yien presided at the 19th meeting of the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s (MOHW) ad-hoc group at noon today (July 30th). Issues such as continuing to assess the inventory of medical capacity, the supplies of medicines and medical materials, patient referrals, the deployment and utilization of domestic medical personnel, and other matters were discussed. 

1. As of July 29th, social workers have been dispatched 3,591 times to console 20,118 people. Medical social workers have been dispatched 16,116 times to offer care services to 33, 932 people, including patients and their family members. Case follow-ups have been performed on a total of 172 people. 

2. A total of 611,500 cm2 of cadaveric skin has been imported. The cumulative supply is 500,300 cm2, and the total amount of skin used is 426,500 cm2 for a usage ratio of 77.51%. Regarding donations and distribution, 603 batches of drugs and medical equipment have been registered and 42 hospitals have applied for allotments of the goods. Following assessment, a total of 613 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 30th, 316 people are continuing to receive inpatient treatment, 171 are in intensive care units, 116 are in critical condition, and 9 have passed away. In addition, 1,249 beds are available in the intensive care units, and 62 are available in the burn intensive care units. 

4. As of July 29th, the EOC (Emergency Operation Center) has assisted in 34 patient referrals, and all 34 cases have been taken care of. 28 physicians have been requested by 12 hospitals (11 physicians were successfully matched by the MOHW, and 19 physicians were matched by each hospital). The hospitals that are treating patients from this incident currently have no need for more physicians at the moment. 

5. As of July 28th, 174 nursing personnel have been recruited by various hospitals, and 24 were successfully matched by the EOC Support Staff Integration Platform. 1,007 medical personnel are registered on this platform. From July 17th to July 27th, no hospitals applied for more support personnel, showing that the number of hospitals applying for support and the number of personnel they request are decreasing by the day. A total of 674 new graduates of nursing schools have reported for work at various hospitals. 

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.