The start date of former first lady Wu Shu-jen's jail term is now confirmed. Kaohsiung District Prosecutors have officially notified Wu to report to their office on February 18th. And if determined physically fit for prison treatment, she will start serving her 17-and-a-half-year term that very day.

Former first lady Wu Shu-jen was sentenced to 17 years and 6 months imprisonment in connection with several bribery and corruption cases.

Kaohsiung District Prosecutors' Office is to execute her jail term on behalf of the Taipei branch and has sent a notification to Wu, who is asked to report to the office on February 18th.

According to the usual practice, Wu will be sent to the Peiteh hospital in Taichung Prison.

But observers wonder whether she would go in a prison car or an ambulance since she is in poor health.

Medical experts will assess whether Wu can live on her own and how much assistance she needs in everyday life.

If she is found to be able to complete basic living activities on her own, the sentence would begin immediately.

If not, she will be sent back to the Kaohsiung District Prosecutors' Office, the Ministry of Justice may allow her to rest at a hospital.