The 41st World Hospital Congress kicked off Nov. 7 in Taipei City, bringing together over 850 medical professionals from the public and private sectors of 48 countries and territories to discuss the latest advances in patient-friendly health care.
Taking place for the first time in Taiwan, the three-day event is co-organized by locally based Taiwan Hospital Association and Switzerland-headquartered International Hospital Federation. Topics on the agenda include delivery and management of services, as well as policymaking and R&D.
During the opening ceremony, Vice President Chen Chien-jen said Taiwan’s hosting of the IHF cornerstone gathering comes at a time when the government is working hard to build Taiwan into a global hub for smart medicine and related technologies. This encompasses promoting greater investment in the health care industry and facilitating closer cooperation between medical facilities at home and abroad, he added.
According to the vice president, key aspects of government efforts include encouraging hospitals to implement more patient-focused operating standards and environmentally friendly practices, as well as rolling out additional health awareness programs and senior-tailored services. Significant headway is expected in this regard by fostering tie-ups between medical facilities and firms involved in Taiwan’s innovative sectors like artificial intelligence and Internet of Things, he said.
Chen also thanked congress participants for continuing to support Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international medical conferences and organizations. The government will make good use of this backing and fully utilize the country’s health care capabilities in making a bigger contribution to protecting human health, he added. (CPY-E)
Write to Taiwan Today at ttonline@mofa.gov.tw