History
Puli region, which was almost a synonym of healthcare desert, has undergone a dramatic change since 1950s. For more than fifty years, Puli Christian Hospital has dedicated a tremendous effort in serving the people in mountainous areas. From bamboo shoots clinics to a four-hundred beds cement building, these achievements would not be accomplished without the hard works of its staff over the years. Here are four major periods of Puli Christian Hospital.
The Period of Christian Medical Clinic in the Mountains（1956-1957）
After the Second World War, Taiwan went through a period of economic depression, particularly in rural regions where resources were extremely scarce. Mrs. Lilian R. Dickson, a missionary from the World Vision Organization, deeply concerned with the situation, fundraised for Taiwan in returning to the USA. With her strong effort and determination, the Christian Medical Clinic was built in 1955, as the predecessor of today’s Hospital. The other two key figures were the superintendent, Dr. Hsieh, who was also a pastor, and Mr. Bjarne Gislefoss, a nurse and also a missionary from Norway. Situated in the center of Taiwan, as an important trading site of the aborigines, Puli was chosen by its geographical advantage.
The Period of Puli Christian Clinic（1958-1983）
Though medical services were available for the local people, however, the space in the clinic could hardly accommodate 15 patients. An additional medical house was built for patients with TB, but soon ran out of space as well. Eventually, Dr. Hsieh Wei sought for help and built an extra ward sponsored by the World Vision Organization. The founder of World Vision, Dr. Bob Pierce, happened to have an opportunity to visit Taiwan. Extremely moved by their hard work, without further hesitation, he generously sponsored a cheque for the staff to purchase a new piece of property, which then became today’s hospital. The new building was officially opened on the 24th of June in 1962; the opening ceremony not only marked a new milestone in the medical history of Taiwan, it also created a brand new vision for the residents.
The Period of Corporate Body Period (1984 – 1988)
Various overseas supports had ceased in 1980s, when Taiwan was able to stand still on its economic progress. While the role of the Hospital remained important, the buildings had aged over the years, as well as the medical equipments. A loan was then applied to build a new building, so as to improve the overall professional standards and medical equipment, and to employ more professional medical staffs. These had made accessible for people living in distant areas to medical services.