Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is the medical use of oxygen at a level higher than at atmospheric pressure. It was initially developed to treat divers suffering from decompression sickness or gas embolism. Many other applications have since been found for this painless procedure in which a person is exposed to increased pressure, thus allowing greater absorption of oxygen throughout the body tissues. This increased pressure allows more oxygen to reach the cells within the body therefore contributing to many healing and therapeutic benefits. In other words, when utilizing HBOT, oxygen is gently forced into the tissues, organs, brain and fluids throughout the body thanks to the pressurization of the hyperbaric chamber.
This oxygen influx stimulates cell growth and regeneration, displaces toxins and other impurities to assist in the detoxification of the body, and since bacteria and viruses typically cannot tolerate oxygen it also reinforces the immune system. These are some of the properties that explain why Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is currently used to treat a variety of ailments like carbon monoxide poisoning, crush/trauma injuries, diabetic foot ulcers, problem wounds, or severe anemia. In America, physicians refer patients to hospitals with hyperbaric chambers for treatment if they suffer from one, or more, of the thirteen conditions which are approved by the FDA. In Taiwan the use of HBOT for treatment of these conditions is covered by the National Health Insurance. Research suggests that the benefits of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy can also be used in the treatment of many other “off-label” (non-FDA approved) conditions ranging from migraine to multiple sclerosis, and to improve the body’s general well being or speed up its recovery time after exercising.
The HyperbaricOxygenTherapyCenter at Min-ShengGeneralHospital was established eightyearsago by Dr. Chen Shing-Han, and treats several hundred patients every month. In recent years an increasing number of these patients were referred to the center by dental and cosmetic clinics to help alleviate the pain and speed up the recovery associated with some of their procedures. Min-Sheng’s HyperbaricCenter is equipped with two multiplacechambers;the smaller chamber is located in a dedicated spa environment and can be converted into a monoplace chamber for those who wish for the comfort and privacy that such chambers afford. All HBOT sessions are conducted under medical supervision, and patients (referred or not) will see a physician specializing in hyperbaric medicine before starting any treatment. The Center is open from Monday to Friday and is located on the second floor of the hospital.
The Taoyuan Branch of the Department of Health of the ROC has appointed Min-Sheng General Hospital to participate in its cancer prevention campaign. All those, including foreign residents, who are enrolled in the National Health Insurance program and meet the criteria can now receive a free screening for gastrointestinal, oral, breast, or cervical cancer.
Men and women aged 50 to 69 are eligible for a free screening for gastrointestinal cancer once every two years. Those interested will be provided with a special container to collect a stool sample that should be returned to the OPD laboratory on the second floor of Min-Sheng’s Ching- Kuo Campus.
Smokers and people chewing betel nut aged 30 or more can apply for an oral cancer screening at the dental and ENT clinics on the third floor.
Women aged between 45 and 70, and those aged 40 to 45 with a family history of breast cancer, can receive a free breast cancer screening once every two years at the radiography center located in the second basement.
Finally, all women aged 30 or more can receive a free Pap-smear once a year to help detect cervical cancer at the OB and GYN clinics on the second floor.
A special window is open at the Clinics Registration Counter to register and provide information to all those interested in this free service. Present your NHI card and mention the type of screening that you’d like to undergo, and the attendant will provide you with instructions. Oral, gastrointestinal and cervical cancer screenings are available from Monday to Saturday; breast cancer screenings can be done every day.
All adults in Taiwan, including foreigners who have been residing in the country for at least four months, pay into the National Health Insurance scheme and have therefore their medicals needs and those of their family covered by the plan. This internationally acclaimed health care coverage system is the envy of many foreign visitors, and makes it possible for everyone to access and afford the excellent healthcare provided across the island.
However, affordable quality healthcare also makes for “volume health care” and doctors often see large numbers of patients daily, leading to crowded waiting rooms and sometimes lack of privacy. Although this is usually accepted and endured light heartedly, some may want a more personalized service and increased privacy.
To cater to those patients Min-Sheng General Hospital offers the option of VIP Clinics for doctor consultation. It is possible to make an appointment with the doctor that you want, at a time that is convenient for you, and be seen in the luxurious environment (for most specialties) of the Executive Health Screening Center on the 21st floor of the hospital.
Patients receive personalized service from the moment they make an appointment until when they leave the hospital, and multilingual staff is on hand for foreign patients should they require help with translation. The outstanding service and increased convenience justify the higher registration fee charged to the patient, even though the price for the consultation remains the same.
If you want to know more about this service or want to make a booking (24 hours notice, no walk in), send a message to missioncare@e-ms.com.tw , or call 03/3179599 ext. 2076 or 2080.
