The Taiwan Buddhist Tzu-Chi Foundation has partnered with Foxconn Technology Group to create a technology-driven charitable healthcare initiative using Foxconn’s hardware health monitoring system. According to Po-Wen Yen, CEO of Tzu Chi, this system integrates multiple health metrics such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, and electrocardiograms. After a successful pilot trial at Tzu Chi locations, the system has recently received a medical device license from Taiwan’s FDA. The aim is to deploy two units at each remote and rural location, focusing on elderly care.
Yen emphasized that Tzu Chi's charitable mission is working alongside Foxconn’s Business Group B, leveraging their information and communication technology (ICT) expertise to address healthcare access in underserved rural areas. The goal is to apply CoDoctor AI technology to enhance telemedicine in areas where medical resources are scarce.
The CoDoctor system consolidates 8 to 9 health monitoring features into a single tablet, allowing users to measure vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, blood glucose, and ECG. Since many residents in rural areas are elderly and live far from medical facilities, the system can be used by village leaders or volunteers to conduct health checks. The data is then uploaded via Bluetooth to Foxconn’s data center for analysis, and if abnormalities are detected, the system alerts the individual. With user consent, the data can also be sent to hospitals or health clinics for follow-up.
The system is currently being used in Tzu Chi's facilities, such as Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital and various Jing Si Halls, with volunteers receiving training. With the recent approval from Taiwan’s FDA, the next step is to extend its use to over 100 remote locations, providing comprehensive telehealth services to rural communities.
Foxconn has also launched the HiMEDt Taiwan Digital Health Alliance, which includes 12 companies spanning sectors like healthcare, telecommunications, technology, health management, construction, religion, and academia. Key members include Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung Municipal Feng-Shan Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University Chung-Ho Memorial Hospital, and the Taiwan Association of Nurse Practitioners.
As technology advances, the issue of carbon neutrality is becoming increasingly important. The 2024 TIMA (Tzu Chi International Medical Association) Annual Convention will focus on the theme “Reflecting on the Past, Love Remains Constant.” Chien Sou-hsin, director of Taichung Tzu Chi Hospital, highlighted that Taiwan has 22 medical centers, which are high-energy consumption and high-carbon-emission industries. Addressing net-zero carbon emissions is a global challenge, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies are becoming essential for healthcare institutions.
Stan Shih, founder of Acer Group and chairman of the StanShih Foundation, stated that achieving carbon neutrality is a shared global goal. While Taiwan can learn from international examples, it must also account for its own unique circumstances and develop its own strategies. Government policies and the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are crucial. “Carbon neutrality is everyone’s responsibility,” he said, noting that large companies have already started, and SMEs must set common goals and share their experiences.
Regarding hospitals’ ESG efforts, Shih emphasized that besides focusing on technological advancements, it is essential to understand operational processes and identify ways to achieve carbon neutrality and save energy. Smart healthcare, which combines healthcare and technology, relies on creating value through collaboration and finding a balance between costs and benefits.
Resource (mandarin): 智慧醫療進偏鄉！慈濟攜手鴻海推CoDoctor助攻遠距醫療 已取得許可證
