The Purple Ribbon Award, the highest honor in protective services, has been recognizing exceptional professionals in Taiwan since 2014. Presented by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, this prestigious award celebrates individuals who have made remarkable contributions in areas such as social welfare, healthcare, law enforcement, education, judiciary, and prosecution. It highlights their dedication to combating domestic violence, sexual abuse, harassment, and their efforts in safeguarding the well-being of children, youth, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. This year, Dr. Hua-Hsi Hung, a respected pediatrician specializing in gastroenterology at Taitung MacKay Memorial Hospital, has been honored with the esteemed 9th Purple Ribbon Award. Taitung County Magistrate Ching-Ling Yao expressed gratitude and commendation for Dr. Hung's significant contributions to child protection with certificate of appreciation. The recognition also underscores the hope for continued action to prevent tragic incidents in the future.
According to the Taitung County Public Health Bureau, Dr. Hua-Hsi Hung, a dedicated pediatrician specializing in gastroenterology at Taitung MacKay Memorial Hospital, has been providing services in Taitung since 2020. In 2022, he took on the role of project leader when the hospital embarked on the "Ministry of Health and Welfare East District Child Protection Regional Medical Integration Center Project." Dr. Hung has been instrumental in providing comprehensive physical and mental healthcare to children who have suffered severe abuse. He has also strengthened collaboration with social welfare agencies, ensuring that these vulnerable children receive the appropriate medical services they need. Dr. Hung's efforts have not only raised awareness but also improved the professional expertise and sensitivity towards child protection within medical institutions throughout Taitung County. His dedication aims to assist abused children in their healing and future interpersonal relationships.
The Director of Taitung County Public Health Bureau, Kuo-Ping Sun, emphasized that the Purple Ribbon Movement is an international anti-violence movement. Based on the Ministry of Health and Welfare's statistics in 2021, children under the age of 6 accounted for 21.4% of the total number of abused children in Taitung County. In order to enhance the physical and mental care and quality of life for these vulnerable children, the Public Health Bureau actively pursued funding through the third-phase comprehensive development subsidy plan for Taitung County, specifically the "Medical Quality and Emergency Medical Enhancement Project." This initiative aims to secure financial support to bring in outstanding child and adolescent psychiatrists, enabling the provision of comprehensive mental health care. Dr. Hua-Hsi Hung, with his expertise and unwavering commitment, has wholeheartedly served Taitung County, dedicating himself to combating child abuse and providing care for children who have suffered from violence. His receipt of the Purple Ribbon Award is a well-deserved recognition of his efforts.