Heartbreak in Hsinchu: Daycare Fined After Infant's Tragic Death

Hsinchu City Government Takes Action Following the Death of a Four-Month-Old at a Subsidized Daycare Center, Leading to Fines and Revocation of Subsidies.

Taipei, Taiwan – March 27, 2024 – The Hsinchu City government has announced that a daycare center in Hsinchu will be fined NT$240,000 (approximately US$7,244) and will lose its public subsidies following the death of a four-month-old infant.

The incident, which occurred this week, involved a baby who suffered asphyxiation while sleeping at the government-subsidized daycare center. The child was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.

Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) Hsinchu City Councilor Liu Yen-ling (劉彥伶) confirmed the details to CNA.

According to a press statement released by the Hsinchu City government, the baby was admitted to the hospital on March 11th and passed away on March 24th. The city's Department of Social Affairs conducted an immediate inspection and held a special inquiry on March 25th to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death.

The city government determined that the daycare center had violated the Protection of Children and Youths Welfare and Rights Act. In addition to the substantial fine, the center is required to submit a comprehensive improvement plan within a specified timeframe.

The daycare center will also be stripped of its status and subsidies as a semi-public daycare facility.

In its official statement, the Hsinchu City government emphasized the crucial need for all daycare centers to prioritize the safety and well-being of children. They stressed the importance of diligent supervision, continuous monitoring of children's movements and physical conditions, and the prevention of future tragedies.