TAIPEI (TVBS News) — The Keelung City Health Bureau (基隆市衛生局) has imposed a fine of NT$90,000 on Nankung Psychiatric Hospital (南光醫院) for delaying the report of a patient's escape by over four hours, a violation of the Mental Health Act.
The incident, involving a 39-year-old man surnamed Chien (簡), who had been convicted of attempted murder, sparked concerns over patient care and security measures in psychiatric facilities.
Chien, sentenced to three years for attempted murder, escaped from the hospital in Keelung on May 19. After four days on the run, authorities captured him on May 22 at 7:30 p.m. in Hsinchuang, Taipei. This breach in security has led to a broader discussion on the enforcement of mental health care and management within the legal framework.
Chang Hsien-cheng (張賢政), the director of the bureau, emphasized the need for hospitals to adhere strictly to the Mental Health Act and the Rehabilitative Disposition Execution Act.
He called on national health and judicial authorities to review and allocate adequate resources across municipalities to care for and manage mental health cases. Chang's appeal underscores the urgency of enhancing psychiatric care infrastructure and support systems to prevent future incidents.