Nabilah S
Belau National Hospital, in collaboration with Shin Kong Hospital in Taiwan, has unveiled the Taiwan-Palau Smart Hospital Project. This groundbreaking initiative leverages advanced technology and artificial intelligence to provide cost-effective, real-time diagnostic services, aiming to revolutionize healthcare delivery in Palau.
The project was officially inaugurated on January 16, 2025, during a ceremony attended by Palau President Surangel Whipps Jr., Taiwan Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, and members of Taiwan’s delegation, who were present in Palau for the swearing-in of its 12th government.
Speaking about the diagnostic systems donated by Taiwan, President Whipps expressed optimism: “These will help us deliver first-class healthcare in the islands. These types of projects allow Palau to demonstrate to the Pacific what is possible.”
The initiative targets three critical areas to address significant gaps in Palau’s healthcare system: diabetic retinopathy screening, a digital pathology platform, and a medical imaging integration system.
AI-Powered Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
With a high prevalence of diabetes and a shortage of ophthalmologists, Palau has long struggled to provide specialized eye care. The Taiwan-Palau Smart Hospital Project addresses this challenge by deploying portable ophthalmoscopes to capture retinal images. These images are analyzed using VeriSee DR, an AI-powered diagnostic software that generates comprehensive reports. This enables local doctors to diagnose diabetic retinopathy with greater speed and accuracy.
“These cutting-edge technologies will revolutionize healthcare in Palau,” President Whipps remarked, highlighting the initiative’s potential to prevent vision loss and enhance the quality of life for diabetic patients.
Digital Pathology Platform
Historically, Palauan patients needing pathological examinations faced the daunting task of sending specimens overseas or traveling abroad, often resulting in delays and missed opportunities for timely treatment. The Smart Hospital Project has introduced a digital pathology platform that allows pathologists in Taiwan to remotely review high-resolution slide images from Palau. This innovation dramatically shortens diagnostic times and ensures patients receive necessary interventions without delay.
Medical Imaging Integration System
Previously, patients referred to Taiwan for medical care were required to physically carry CDs of medical images and paper records, a process fraught with inefficiencies. The new medical imaging integration system eliminates this hurdle by securely transmitting patient data and images between Palau and Taiwan through encrypted authorization. This streamlined system enables seamless collaboration between medical teams, improving the overall patient care experience.
A Strong Partnership in Healthcare
The Smart Hospital Project marks a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between Palau and Taiwan. Highlighting Taiwan’s ongoing efforts to improve medical services in Palau, President Whipps stated, “One of the cornerstones of the partnership has been healthcare.”
Representing Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung emphasized the vital role of global cooperation in tackling health challenges. “Following the global pandemic, we have come to a clear understanding that diseases recognize no borders, and only through global cooperation can we achieve good health for all,” he remarked.
Lin also expressed appreciation for Palau’s steadfast support of Taiwan’s involvement in the World Health Organization.
A New Era of Healthcare for Palau
The Taiwan-Palau Smart Hospital Project exemplifies how technological innovation and international collaboration can address healthcare disparities in small island nations. Through the integration of AI-powered diagnostic tools and digital platforms, the initiative aims to enhance healthcare delivery, improve patient outcomes, and serve as a model for other Pacific nations.
