Long-term foreign residents of Taiwan who qualify for the Mackay Program are now eligible for long-term health care services, the ROC Ministry of the Interior announced Nov. 30.
According to the MOI press release, the decision, made unanimously in a cross-governmental agency meeting the same day, is a way of expressing the government’s gratitude to foreign nationals who have made selfless contributions to the people of Taiwan.
“It is hoped that these foreign residents who become disabled elders will be able to receive proper care services in their second homeland Taiwan,” the MOI said.
The revised policy follows local newspaper reports that 88-year-old Sister Elvira Valentin Martin, a Spanish missionary who has dedicated her life to taking care of leprosy patients in Taiwan over the past five decades, is now suffering from dementia but had difficulties in applying for long-term health care services because of her foreign nationality.
Launched June 1, the Mackay Program is named after Canadian George Leslie Mackay, a medical missionary who founded Taiwan’s first Western-style hospital, set up schools and helped the disadvantaged from 1872 to 1901.
The program currently provides discounted prices for public transportation and cultural and recreational facilities to 167 foreign residents who have contributed to Taiwan’s social welfare, medical services, education, culture or religion and are aged 65 or above, have lived in Taiwan more than 183 days every year for at least 20 years, and hold permanent residency.
The amended program includes long-term health care benefits such as home health care, nutrition services, nursing and transportation for medical care, the MOI said. Up to 70 percent of the costs will be borne by the government, while special cases may receive full funding, it added.
