Taiwan Blackfoot Disease Memorial Hall Introduction
The "Black Foot Disease" is an endemic peripheral vascular disease prevalent in the southwestern coastal regions of Taiwan. It is believed that the likely cause of this disease is chronic arsenic poisoning due to residents in coastal towns consuming deep well water that contains excessive arsenic, which can also lead to complications such as cancers of the liver, kidneys, and bladder. The Black Foot Disease Memorial Park was formerly the oldest clinic in Beimen Township, known as the Jinhe Clinic, operated by Dr. Wang Jinhua, known as the "Father of Black Foot Disease," who graduated from a medical school in Tokyo and returned to serve his hometown. In the past, the Jinhe Clinic provided medical assistance for free and was an important spiritual support for patients. The memorial hall houses medical artifacts related to Taiwan's healthcare and medical records of patients with Black Foot Disease, including many preserved amputated limbs of patients, resting before the Christian cross. This allows visitors to reflect on the selfless dedication and great love of past medical personnel and the church while witnessing the suffering endured by the victims.
