Losheng Sanatorium

Losheng Sanatorium is a historical sanatorium located in the Xinzhuang District of New Taipei, Taiwan. Established in the 1930s during the Japanese colonial period, Losheng Sanatorium was originally built to isolate and treat patients with Hansen's disease, commonly known as leprosy. Over the decades, it has become a symbol of the struggle for human rights and preservation of cultural heritage in Taiwan.

History

The construction of Losheng Sanatorium began in 1929 and was completed in 1930 by the Japanese colonial government, aiming to segregate people diagnosed with Hansen's disease from the general population, following the global trend of the time. The name "Losheng" means "Happy Life," reflecting the initial intention to provide a self-sufficient and isolated community for the patients. However, the reality of life in the sanatorium was marked by isolation and stigma associated with the disease.

After World War II, Taiwan was handed over to the Republic of China, and the management of the sanatorium came under the Taiwanese government. Throughout the years, Losheng Sanatorium has been home to many patients, some of whom spent their entire lives within its walls.

Preservation Movement

In the early 2000s, the Taiwanese government announced plans to demolish Losheng Sanatorium to make way for a new Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) depot as part of the expansion of Taipei's MRT system. This decision sparked a significant public outcry and led to the formation of the Losheng Preservation Movement. The movement, comprising former patients, students, activists, and concerned citizens, highlighted the sanatorium's historical and cultural significance, advocating for its preservation.

The campaign to save Losheng Sanatorium brought national and international attention to the issues of human rights and cultural heritage preservation. It emphasized the importance of respecting the dignity and stories of the sanatorium's residents, many of whom considered Losheng their home.

Current Status

After years of protests, negotiations, and public debate, a portion of the Losheng Sanatorium was preserved, including several of its original buildings, while accommodating the construction of the MRT depot. The site has been recognized as a cultural heritage site, symbolizing a victory for preservationists and the importance of community action in heritage conservation.

Today, Losheng Sanatorium stands as a poignant reminder of Taiwan's complex history, the evolution of medical treatment for Hansen's disease, and the resilience of its residents and supporters. It serves not only as a historical site but also as a space for education and reflection on issues of social justice, human rights, and the power of community advocacy.

See Also

• Hansen's disease
• Cultural heritage preservation
• Human rights in Taiwan