As of August this year (2022), the new immigrant population in Taoyuan City was over 60,000, which was the fourth highest in Taiwan. In an effort to protect the health of new immigrants and reduce the impacts of language barriers and cultural differences on their childcare, general health, and life adaptation, the Department of Public Health offers counseling services at the New Immigrants Joint Service Center. From now on, in addition to the existing subsidies for prenatal tests that are not covered by the health insurance, maternal and infant care, and mental health, will be expanded to include four health consultation services related to women and children, diseases, mental health, and regulations governing food safety and sanitation for food companies. New immigrants are welcome to contact the New Immigrants Joint Service Center in person or by phone for inquiry.
The Director of the Department of Public Health Wang Wen-Yan mentioned that the demand for healthcare increases as the population of new immigrants grows. There are some frequently asked questions from new immigrants, including: “Can I get vaccinations for free if I’m not naturalized?”; “How do I take care of babies?”; “What should I pay attention to when starting a diner?”; “Work permits of migrant workers will be revoked with what infectious diseases?”, etc. Therefore, this year, the Department of Public Health started to offer health consultation services at the New Immigrants Joint Service Center regarding parenting education, preventive vaccination for children, vaccination subsidies for women of childbearing age, anonymous testing, education, and counseling for AIDS and venereal diseases, drug control resource counseling, psychological counseling appointment making, and regulations governing the registration of food companies and food safety. From now on, new immigrants can visit the New Immigrants Joint Service Center (at No. 135, Fuxing Road, Taoyuan District, Taoyuan City) or dial the center (03-3339885) from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on working days and Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. There are dedicated personnel responsible for replying to messages in a timely manner. Moreover, immigrants may make four free psychological counseling appointments on Tuesday mornings and Thursdays.
The Department of Public Health indicated that, to provide interpretation assistance, interpreters are stationed at the public health centers in all districts that also serve as health consultation service centers for new immigrants in Taoyuan City. The new immigrants can contact the public health centers near them or visit the Department of Public Health’s woman and child health website (http://reurl.cc/A7WOAZ) for relevant resources. They can also make psychological counseling appointments on the Taoyuan City Mental Health Center’ website (https://dph.tycg.gov.tw/mental/). New immigrants, aliens, and migrant workers are now welcome to make use of these resources.