Miaoli County Faces Severe Dementia Bed Shortage; Plans Medical Park with Mackay Hospital

Miaoli County is grappling with a critical shortage of specialized dementia care beds, a situation described as "one bed hard to find." County Councilor Li Shang-an highlighted the issue during a legislative session, urging the government to support families caring for individuals with dementia.

County Magistrate Chung Tung-chin acknowledged the challenge and outlined plans to address it. In addition to the ongoing construction of a county-run long-term care and elder care facility in Tongluo Township, the county government intends to rezone 20 hectares of land at the former Farglory Medical Park. This land is slated to become a medical biotechnology park.

“

The county is currently a "region where residential resources for dementia need to be built up," and it is "hard to find one bed."

The county is actively seeking a major hospital to operate within this new park. Negotiations are underway with Mackay Memorial Hospital, and officials are also encouraging Tzu Chi Foundation to develop its Miaoli campus into a medical center. These initiatives aim to enhance healthcare services for all residents, with a particular focus on improving care for the growing elderly population, especially those with dementia. The county is also working to expedite the rezoning process with national land and property authorities.

“

We have also planned to change the original Farglory Medical Park's 20-hectare land into a medical biotechnology park, and have contacted Mackay Hospital, hoping a large hospital can move in to provide better care for more鄉親, especially the elderly with dementia.