Taipeitimes.com—Taiwan has recently launched a new app service for medical travel that provides handy information on tourist attractions and healthcare facilities around the country, a move expected to expand its medical tourism market.

The app, designed by the Taiwan External Trade Development Council (TAITRA), is available in English, as well as in traditional and simplified Chinese.

Taking advantage of the vibrant development of smart mobility, the initiative will further promote Taiwan’s high-quality international medical services to the world, TAITRA president and chief executive Chao Yuen-chuan said at a news conference to introduce the service.

The app, which is free, covers information ranging from health checkups to cosmetic medicine, Chao said, adding that a map service for each listed facility is available.

Through the service, users can also access information on the 31 medical and healthcare facilities under the department’s international medical program, Department of Health Deputy Minister Lin Tzou-yien said.

“This provides clear introductions to the strengths of each medical facility,” Lin said.

Also present at the news conference was Vice Premier Sean Chen, who described the app as a “considerate” service that would also provide immediate assistance to foreign tourists who become sick during visits to Taiwan.

Now available for iPhone and iPad users, the app will be expanded to include Android users in the first quarter of next year, Chao said.

Following South Korea and Singapore, Taiwan is the third country in Asia to launch a government-sponsored app service for medical travel.