Taiwan Blackfoot Disease Medical Memorial Museum Introduction
The Black Foot Disease is an endemic peripheral vascular disease prevalent in the southwestern coastal areas of Taiwan. It is believed that the cause of the Black Foot Disease is likely due to chronic arsenic poisoning from drinking groundwater containing excessive arsenic in coastal towns, which may also be accompanied by cancers of the liver, kidneys, and bladder. The Black Foot Disease Memorial Park was originally the oldest clinic in Beimen Township, known as the Jinhe Clinic, operated by Dr. Wang Jinhe, known as the “Father of Black Foot Disease,” who graduated from the Tokyo Medical College and returned home to serve. The Jinhe Clinic previously provided free medical assistance and was a significant support for the patients' spirits. The museum collects medical artifacts related to Taiwan’s healthcare and medical records of Black Foot Disease patients, including many preserved severed limbs of patients resting before a Christian cross, allowing visitors to reflect on the selfless dedication and compassion of past medical personnel and the church, as well as witness the years of suffering endured by the victims.
