Taiwan's Blackfoot Disease Medical Memorial Hall Introduction
The Blackfoot disease is an endemic peripheral vascular disease prevalent in the southwestern coastal areas of Taiwan. It is believed that the cause of Blackfoot disease is likely due to the residents of coastal towns drinking deep well water contaminated with excessive arsenic, leading to chronic arsenic poisoning, and possibly accompanied by cancers of the liver, kidneys, and bladder. The Blackfoot Disease Memorial Park originated from the oldest clinic in Beimen Township, known as the Jinhe Clinic, operated by Dr. Wang Jinhe, known as the "Father of Blackfoot Disease," who graduated from Tokyo Medical School and returned to serve his hometown. The Jinhe Clinic once provided free medical assistance and was an important spiritual support for patients. The museum houses a collection of Taiwanese medical relics and medical records of Blackfoot disease patients, including many preserved amputated limbs of patients resting before the Christian Cross, allowing visitors to reflect on the selfless dedication and love of past medical personnel and churches, while witnessing the suffering endured by victims.
