Norwegian missionary doctor awarded 'Love of Lives Medal'

Want China Times, CNA 2014-08-24

Norwegian missionary doctor Olav Bjorgaas, second from left, poses
with officials for photo, Aug. 23. (Photo/CNA)

Norwegian missionary doctor Olav Bjorgaas has been awarded the "Fervent Global Love of Lives Medal" by a Taiwanese non-profit organization in recognition of his contributions to Taiwan.

Chou Chin-hua, founder of the Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation, and Guo Ying-lan, chairwoman of the foundation, presented the medal to Bjorgaas in the Norwegian city of Stavanger Aug. 22.

Bjorgaas, 88, was first dispatched to Taiwan in 1954 to care for leprosy patients at the Lo-Sheng Sanatorium in Taipei.

He later founded the Pingtung Christian Hospital and Taiwan's first nursing home for disabled children.

Until his retirement and departure from Taiwan in 1984, he had cared for over 6,000 leprosy patients and 18,000 polio patients.

The Chou Ta-Kuan Cultural and Educational Foundation was established in memory of child cancer fighter Chou Ta-kuan, who died in 1997 at the age of 10.

The "Fervent Global Love of Lives Medal" was set up by his parents to commemorate Chou's love of life and striving spirit and to encourage people to cherish and respect life.