Tue Feb 04 08:10:00 UTC 2025: ## Taiwanese Doctor Highlights Affordable and High-Quality Healthcare After Big S’s Death
**Taipei, Taiwan** – The recent death of Taiwanese actress Big S (Xu Xiyuan) from influenza-related complications in Japan has sparked a debate about the accessibility and affordability of healthcare. A Taiwanese physician, Dr. Su Yi-feng, shared a story highlighting the comparatively low cost of advanced medical care in Taiwan, contrasting it with experiences in other countries.
Dr. Su recounted treating a mainland Chinese tourist in Taiwan over a decade ago who suffered from severe influenza, requiring intubation, ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation), and intensive care. The patient’s recovery, after a month of treatment, cost less than TWD 500,000 (approximately USD 16,000). The patient’s family expressed surprise at the relatively low cost compared to what they expected.
Dr. Su emphasized that while Taiwan may not be the most popular tourist destination, its medical care is among the best globally, especially in emergency situations. This anecdote follows the widespread grief and discussion surrounding Big S’s death, prompting speculation about whether earlier access to Taiwanese medical resources might have altered the outcome. Former CTI chairman Zhao Shao-kang also weighed in, sharing his negative experiences with healthcare in Canada, underscoring the convenience and quality of Taiwan’s medical system. The contrasting experiences have reignited conversations on the value of Taiwanese healthcare and the importance of preparedness when traveling abroad.
First Piper 