ROC President Ma Ying-jeou inaugurated the Ministry of Health and Welfare July 23, describing the new agency as a key component in the government’s drive to provide comprehensive health care nationwide.
“The aim of hygiene is to promote health and prevent diseases, while welfare involves taking care of the underprivileged and enhancing the public interest,” Ma said.
Taiwan is facing the twin challenges of a declining birthrate and a rapidly aging population, the president said, adding that the country will be considered a super-aged society in 2025.
“It took just 32 years for Taiwan to come under this classification, compared to 35 for Japan, 92 for the U.S. and 156 for France. Obviously, issues stemming from long-term health care are problems the government must tackle.”
Echoing Ma’s remarks, Premier Jiang Yi-huah said the establishment of the MOHW is an important milestone in Taiwan’s health and social welfare undertakings.
“The ministry was formed in consideration of future changes in the nation’s population structure and aging-related medical services challenges,” Jiang said.
“We expect the MOHW to provide a more efficient, integrated and real-time service for the people.”
MOHW Minister Chiu Wen-ta said the new agency tallies with the World Health Organization goal of comprehensively tending to the public’s physical and psychological health, as well as social health.
“We will continue enhancing and improving medical staffing, ensuring food and drug safety, and promoting a barrier-free environment for the disabled, elderly, women and children," Chiu said.
“In addition, the ministry is prioritizing the second-generation national health insurance system, strengthening capabilities in disease prevention and boosting medical services in remote areas.”
The MOHW comprises the former Department of Health; Ministry of the Interior’s Department of Social Affairs and Child Welfare Bureau; and National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine under the Ministry of Education. Its budget for the first year of operation stands at NT$161.6 billion (US$5.38 billion), up from the DOH’s NT$75.6 billion.
Eight departments make up the ministry: Chinese medicine and pharmacy, general planning, health care, medical affairs, protection services, psychology and oral health, social aid and workers, and social insurance.
The MOHW also incorporates five administrations: disease control, food and drugs, health promotion, national health insurance, and society and family.
A total of 26 affiliate hospitals, as well as a home for adolescents, three child welfare institutions, three disabled welfare institutions and six live-in care facilities for the elderly, also fall under the auspices of the ministry. (KML-JSM)
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