The Hospice Foundation of Taiwan (HFT) has been honored with the Group Contribution Award at the 34th Medical Contribution Awards. This prestigious recognition recognizes HFT's significant contributions in advancing hospice care and life education since its establishment. Over the past 34 years, HFT has tirelessly dedicated itself to ensuring patients with severe illnesses receive appropriate care. HFT’s mission centers on fostering compassion within society for patients, their families, and caregivers. Additionally, it has played an active role in promoting and developing hospice care and life education, leaving a profound and lasting impact in these fields.
30 Years of Commitment, Changing the Culture of End-of-Life Care
At the award ceremony, Minister of Health and Welfare Tai-Yuan Chiu served as the keynote speaker and personally presented the award to HFT. He praised HFT for pioneering hospice care in Taiwan and planting the first seeds of this vital service. Minister Chiu reflected on the establishment of Taiwan’s first hospice ward at Mackay Memorial Hospital in 1990, emphasizing how hospitals have persevered in offering this meaningful service despite financial pressures. Subsequently, Cardinal Tien Hospital and National Taiwan University Hospital also followed suit in setting up hospice wards, further advancing the field. Minister Chiu’s presentation of the Group Contribution Award was a heartfelt acknowledgement of HFT’s unwavering efforts and long-term impact on end-of-life care in Taiwan.
At the ceremony, Foundation Chairman Shou-Chuan Shih reflected on the organization's journey over the years. He observed that, more than 30 years ago, discussions about life and death were widely considered taboo in society, and many patients faced futile and painful treatments in the final stages of their lives. However, thanks to HFT's professional education and advocacy efforts, societal attitudes toward end-of-life care have undergone a meaningful transformation. Chairman Shih remarked, "These achievements stem from our persistent efforts and reflect society's strong desire for a dignified and peaceful end of life."
Advancing Localized Hospice Care and Long-term Support for Diverse Communities
As society increasingly embraces the concept of hospice care, many medical institutions have begun adapting their approaches to supporting terminally ill patients. CEO Jaffa Chang emphasized that HFT is committed to advancing localized hospice care, enabling patients to face the end of life in the comfort of familiar surroundings. Additionally, HFT aims to address the long-term care needs of diverse communities. Chang highlighted a future focus on the care of individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities, expressing optimism that with support from various sectors, hospice care will continue to advance and flourish.
Deepening the Roots of Hospice Care for the Future
Since its founding, the Hospice Foundation of Taiwan has actively collaborated with medical institutions across the nation. From its early efforts to promote the establishment and operation of hospice wards to providing specialized training for healthcare professionals and raising public awareness, HFT has been relentless in its mission. These endeavors have enabled countless patients to receive dignified end-of-life care while fostering greater societal awareness of the importance of a peaceful passing, ultimately transforming traditional perceptions of terminal care.
This year’s Medical Contribution Award signifies widespread recognition of HFT's enduring efforts by both the society and various professional communities. HFT remains committed to its mission of advancing hospice care, striving to provide patients and their families with more comprehensive, compassionate, and human-centered services. Chairman Shou-Chuan Shih emphasized: "Every milestone we’ve achieved on this journey is the result of collective efforts from HFT and all sectors of society. We will continue to work toward making hospice care accessible, ensuring that everyone in need receives the dignity and care they deserve."
A New Chapter in Leadership
As of October 14, 2024, Jaffa Chang has assumed the role of CEO of the Hospice Foundation of Taiwan, succeeding Lin Yi-Yin. The foundation thanks Lin for her dedicated leadership and remains committed to advancing hospice care.