TAIPEI (TVBS News) — After Typhoon Krathon (山陀兒) prompted a two-day suspension of healthcare services on Oct. 2 and 3, medical professionals will likely brace for a surge of patients next week. Hospitals and clinics closed their doors, leading to a potential backlog of over 100 patients per doctor, according to reports.
Dr. Hsueh Chien-yu (薛健佑) from Taipei Veterans General Hospital (台北榮總) expressed concerns on Facebook about the inconvenience to patients who must reschedule appointments. He stated that he is prepared for a tough battle next week and urged the public to stagger their visits to prevent overwhelming clinics.
According to a United Daily News (聯合報) report, Dr. Hung Hui-feng (洪惠風), a cardiologist at Wu Ho Su Memorial Hospital (新光醫院), echoed these sentiments and noted that the number of patients per session could rise from 50-60 to over 100 next week.
Dr. Wang Tzung-dau (王宗道), a cardiologist at National Taiwan University Hospital (台大醫院), emphasized the challenge, saying that even during the typhoon, they dared not suspend services as each session typically sees over 100 patients. He warned that missing one session makes it impossible to catch up the following week.
Despite the closures, some hospitals offered special consultations during the typhoon, ensuring that those in urgent need could still receive care.
