Taiwan`s detained former president Chen Shui-bian was rushed to hospital Sunday, TVBS news network said in a live report.

Chen arrived at the Far Eastern Memorial Hospital in Panchiao city, 10 minutes after his ambulance left the Tucheng detention centre outside Taipei, TVBS said, where he is being held on graft allegations.

`Go! Go! Ah-Bian!` chanted dozens of Chen`s supporters outside the hospital, referring to the former leader`s nickname, according to the network.

Chen`s lawyer had said the former president had only drunk water since entering the detention centre early Wednesday after going on hunger strike in protest against his arrest and detention, which he claimed to be politically motivated.

Chen, the first former Taiwanese leader to be arrested, faces allegations of embezzling around 15 million Taiwan dollars (about 450,000 US dollars) while in office, but has yet to be formally charged.

Chen, whose pro-independence rhetoric during his eight years in office irked Beijing, has repeatedly accused the island`s China-friendly government of being behind allegations of embezzlement, money laundering, taking bribes and forgery.

He can be held for up to four months before prosecutors have to charge him.

His office is planning to stage a mass rally in a Taipei park on November 22 in a show of support.