Overview:
Concerns over Palau’s medical referral program in Taiwan are resurfacing, with patients raising issues about housing, support and care. Health officials say many claims are misunderstood—but calls for improvements are growing.
Government weighs improvements, including potential liaison and new ambassador role
By: Eoghan Olkeriil Ngirudelsang
TAIPEI, Taiwan (April 8, 2026) — Allegations that a Palauan medical referral patient was abandoned in Taiwan prompted clarification this week from the Health Care Fund (HCF) personnel in Taiwan, who said many concerns raised publicly “do not fully reflect facts.”
The issue surfaced during a recent presidential press conference, where Vice President and Minister of Health and Human Services Raynold Oilouch said similar complaints have been raised before.
“These are not new issues. Last year, in a public hearing with the Senate, similar issues were raised,” Oilouch said.
Concerns about Palau’s medical referral program to Taiwan have persisted since its inception, often centered on patient care, housing and support services. HCF officials said recurring complaints may stem from limited public awareness or mismatched expectations about the program, which is designed to provide essential medical services and logistical support—not full-service personal care.
Staffing and Patient Support
HCF said three staff members in Taiwan—a utilization reviewer and two referral coordinators—are responsible for assisting dozens of patients.
The utilization reviewer focuses on verifying medical bills, while referral coordinators manage logistics such as airport pickups, flight check-ins, hospital discharges, transportation to appointments, hotel bookings and maintenance of Palau-designated housing.
Coordinators also assist patients with directions, purchasing SIM cards and other basic needs when schedules permit. However, HCF emphasized that staff are not responsible for personal errands such as sightseeing, shopping for betel nut or arranging other non-medical related activities, which are the responsibility of patient escorts.
Housing and Post-Treatment Concerns
Some patients, particularly those undergoing cancer treatment, have alleged they were left without accommodation after treatment.
HCF said it currently maintains 14 rooms across two Palau Houses and six additional hotel-style rooms. Housing is assigned based on availability.
Officials noted that once a patient’s condition reaches a palliative stage—defined as treatable but not curable—insurance coverage for referral services ends. The determination is made solely by the attending physician.
Patients who choose to remain in Taiwan for alternative treatments, such as traditional or herbal medicine, must cover their own costs, including housing.
Coordinator Wong said claims that patients are “simply turned out” are inaccurate.
“Statements that they are simply turned out of the Palau houses and abandoned are not factual,” Wong said, adding that coordinators continue to assist patients in finding accommodations, though expenses must be paid privately under insurance rules.
Solo Travel and Accommodation Costs
HCF also addressed complaints from patients who traveled alone and reported inadequate care.
Officials said escorts are required to provide personal assistance, but some patients choose to travel alone against recommendations.
Concerns over hotel costs were also raised. HCF personnel said discharged patients are placed in Palau Houses when space is available; otherwise, they must stay in hotels, with coordinators assisting in bookings.
The agency said all patients receive pre-departure briefings, printed materials and online guidance detailing housing arrangements, transportation costs, regulations and required documents.
Calls for Program Improvements
During a public hearing on Oct. 9 last year, Oilouch proposed hiring a dedicated liaison to better support patients.
“I think a solution is that we should hire an employee serving as a so-called ‘patient referral coordinator’ to cater to the patients,” he said, noting that similar concerns predate HCF’s administration of the program.
As demand for overseas medical care grows, HCF is urging patients to review available resources and align expectations with the program’s medical focus.
Meanwhile, President Surangel Whipps Jr. has announced plans to appoint former Health Minister Gaafar Uherbelau as ambassador to Taiwan, saying the presence of an ambassador may help address ongoing concerns related to the referral program.