President Lai Ching-te said at a health forum Jan. 11 in Taipei City that the government is committed to leveraging Taiwan’s health care and high-tech prowess to ensure the country’s global competitiveness.
Since taking office in May 2024, the president has made “Healthy Taiwan of All” a top policy priority, setting up the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee to oversee implementation of related projects later the same year.
Lai said a prime example is the Healthy Taiwan Cultivation Plan launched last year with a total budget of NT$48.9 billion (US$1.55 billion). The five-year initiative aims to address the country’s demographic shifts and ensure the sustainability of the National Health Insurance system.
The president said the project focuses on improving working conditions for medical professionals; cultivating diverse talent; integrating smart medical technologies; and promoting socially responsible, sustainable medicine. Lai also thanked the country’s health professionals for their dedication that has made Taiwan a leader for years in global health care rankings.
At the same time, Lai said the government is stepping up efforts to develop smart medicine in Taiwan through the Regenerative Medicine Act and Regenerative Medicinal Products Act of 2024.
These efforts serve a dual purpose: giving the people of Taiwan longer and healthier lives, and enabling Taiwan to outpace its international rivals with its leading technologies, the president added. (SFC-E)
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