I have previously published a photo and a short description of Tzu Chi Hospital in Xindian, Taipei in my blog post, which is not very detailed. Taking the opportunity of this visit to the hospital with my father-in-law, I took some more photos, so I can give a detailed description of the process of visiting a hospital in Taiwan.
Exterior of Tzu Chi Hospital in Xindian, Taipei (Officially inaugurated on May 8, 2005, the hospital occupies an area of 139,996 square meters, with the main building having 15 floors above ground and 4 floors below.)
First of all, you need to bring your Jianbao card to see a doctor. Every Taiwanese citizen has a CPS card, which is like an ID card, with the same number as the ID card number, and is issued by the CPS Bureau, which also collects the CPS fee. Fees are withheld according to a certain percentage of an individual's income, i.e., less income, less contribution, more income, more contribution. Young children, elderly people over 70 years of age and Taiwan aborigines are not only exempted from paying premiums, but also receive free medical treatment. This fully reflects the social welfare system of the rich supporting the poor.
Front side of the card
Back side of the card
Appointment is required before visiting a doctor, and in addition to on-site registration, hospitals generally use appointment-based registration. Appointment-based registration methods include computerized voice registration, network registration, and manual registration. On-site registration, except for the initial consultation, which must be registered at the counter, can use the automatic registration machine, which is very convenient. The hospital is networked, including doctors' visits, patient information, and diagnosis (medical records), all of which are managed by the hospital through the computer. When you come back to see the doctor in the future, you only need to register and bring your Jianbao card. If an individual needs to pick up a diagnosis, they need to apply for it at the diagnosis counter.
All the fees such as registration fee, consultation fee, medicine fee, etc., are billed by the doctor at the end of the visit, and the patient delivers them at the fee counter, and finally receives the medicine, so you don't have to pay any fees before the visit.
After hanging up the number, you can go to the doctor next. There is no tension at all when visiting Tzu Chi Hospital. The layout of the hospital is designed to be very humanized, and Tzu Chi volunteers can be found everywhere. Here, patients can enjoy five-star service and y appreciate the care and consideration of the medical staff during the visit.
The inscription at the hospital gate reads: "Bodhisattvas on earth are like farmers, honesty and faithfulness are like the earth, wisdom and wonderful teachings are like fresh water, and good workers are invited to plough and work hard.
A free wheelchair rental service is available at the entrance of the hospital for patients with mobility problems. Volunteers wearing volunteer uniforms begin their service before patients even enter the hospital.
First-floor lobby
Entering the hospital's main entrance, one is greeted by a mural, a mosaic collage with a wood-carved foldout below it, inscribed with text that gives an overview of the hospital.
The mural design was drawn by a university professor in Taiwan. The mosaics were put together by hospital volunteers according to the drawings.
On both sides of the hall are the wholesale payment counter and the medicine counter, which are served by computerized numbering service.
There is a service desk in the first floor lobby where patients can seek help if they have any questions.
The on-site registration is easy with the use of a registration machine. Volunteers are also available to assist with how to register.
There are piano performances, folk music performances, and singing by Tzu Chi volunteers in the lobby, which bring warmth and joy to people. Perhaps half of the patient's pain is alleviated before the visit.
From the first floor, you can overlook the place for preaching and propagating Buddhism on the first floor. This is also where the hospital holds meetings or teaches public **** courses. There are also often lectures on public **** hygiene and provide some medical counseling to the public.
Besides enjoying the music, you can also visit the bookstore. There are not only books to read, but also Tzu Chi's healthy food and daily necessities, so you can buy some to take home if you need them.
If you're in the mood for a good time, you can also enjoy the carvings and artworks displayed in the hall.
Consultation area
From the lobby on the first floor, you can take the escalator or direct elevator to the consultation area, where you can also see volunteers.
Patients can simply sit and wait outside the consultation room. On the wall outside the clinic is a display that shows the number of patients currently being seen. If it's a patient's turn to be seen, a nurse will come out and call the patient's number and name, and the patient's number will be displayed on the screen at the same time. While you are waiting, you can watch TV, enjoy the paintings on the walls and the beautiful flowers and plants, take your blood pressure and chat with the volunteers. If it's close to noon, the volunteers will bring you delicious cookies and tea, so there's no shortage of care and attention.
The water fountain has three buttons to choose from: boiled water, warm water, and ice water. There are also paper cups available.
Taking blood pressure with a blood pressure machine is also needed before a visit.
Inpatient Area
The hospital's sixth floor and above is the inpatient area, with each floor divided into three zones, each with a nursing station. The general wards are quadruple or triple rooms, which are free of charge (paid for by KENBO). Each ward has a separate bathroom with 24-hour hot water for showering. If you want a single or deluxe room, you just pay the difference in price. The cost of hospitalization is also billed at the time of discharge, including diagnostic and surgical fees, and patients do not have to pay anything as long as they are not discharged from the hospital. During the hospitalization period, volunteers come to visit the patients and chat with them, and also deliver delicious meals to the patients, which is the kind of meticulous care that money cannot buy.
Ward Corridor General Ward
Nursing Station
Volunteer Desk
The inpatient area has a sky garden, so patients don't have to go downstairs to enjoy the beauty of nature and the garden-like inpatient life.
Dining Area
Tzu Chi Hospital has its own restaurant on the first basement level, which is open for business. Although it is vegetarian, it is tasty and varied, yet very hygienic and healthy. Most of the hospital's doctors and patients dine here, or they can buy it back and enjoy it slowly.
Information
The hospital provides monthly clinic forms, which are available in the lobby on the first floor. You can check the clinic schedule and doctor's profile for each department, providing patients with a choice. The hospital's fee schedule is also published for patients' reference.
The view outside the hospital
After seeing a doctor, walk out of the gate, and if you are not in a hurry, you can take a small seat in the garden to get some fresh air and enjoy the beauty of the garden. If you live in the city, you can also take the hospital's free shuttle bus home, a smooth and comfortable journey to the end.