TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taipei Medical University announced Thursday it has signed an agreement with the National Chinese Seamen's Union to provide comprehensive telemedicine services to seafarers.

TMU stated its telemedicine center is equipped with professional medical staff and a call center platform capable of delivering remote healthcare services. The initiative aims to address the unique healthcare challenges faced by maritime workers who often have limited access to medical care while at sea, per CNA.

Seafarer health is critical for sustainable shipping management and has been receiving increasing attention from academics, the shipping industry, and international organizations. Key concerns include cardiovascular diseases, transmittable diseases, fatigue, and stress, issues that telemedicine services could help address proactively, per ScienceDirect.

TMU Telecare Health Services Center Liu Wen-chi (劉文琪) said that telemedicine will provide seafarers with more convenient and diverse healthcare options. The union and TMU's telemedicine team will continuously improve their offerings based on member needs, including establishing a platform for real-time medical consultation and diagnosis services for seafarers at sea.

TMU has previously partnered with several shipping companies to develop tailored health solutions. In February, it collaborated with Yang Ming Marine Transport and National Taiwan Ocean University to launch similar initiatives.

NCSU Chair Chang Lieh-chung (章烈忠) said seafarers on long voyages often struggle with chronic illness management and a lack of emergency medical resources. He added that TMU was chosen for its medical expertise and digital healthcare capabilities.

The collaboration is expected to benefit approximately 14,700 union members across Taiwan.