The North Central region of Taiwan's West Coast recently got a new modern medical facility with the opening of the Hsin-chu branch of Mackay Memorial Hospital. Mackay is an agency of the Presbyterian Church in Taiwan (PCT). The branch officially came into operation at the end of November.

Hospital and Church officers and dignitaries were present for a ceremony and service of thanksgiving worship. When branch superintendent Wei Chih-tau officially received his appointment he declared that the hospital was equipped to be a zero pollution discharge facility.

The new branch cost three billion Taiwan Yuan (86 million Euros) to build and equip. It is located near to the Hsin-chu Science Based Industrial Zone and a five-minute drive from the Taiwan Area Freeway.

In his remarks, PCT General Assembly General Secretary William J. K. Lo said that the Hsin-chu branch is a hospital of love. He declared that whole person healing and the value of life were hallmarks of Rev. Mackay, who died 100 years ago, and of the hospital that bears his name today. He noted that people all around the country are familiar with the name "Mackay", and that the Hsin-chu facility will only serve to spread that fame further.

By David Alexander