TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Taiwan President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) attended the fifth and final “Healthy Taiwan” forum at Taipei Veterans General Hospital on Sunday, seeking feedback from the local medical community.
The forums were part of Lai’s election pledge to strengthen ties with medical professionals in northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan, drawing more than 1,200 participants nationwide, per CNA.
The final event covered 10 themes, including adopting a health charter, expanding mental health support, improving the quality of medical services, and optimizing care for children and adolescents.
Chen Jyh-hong (陳志鴻), convener of the forum and former superintendent of National Cheng Kung University Hospital, said the goal was to address root causes of systemic problems and help doctors refocus on the core mission of medicine.
Chen noted that each forum allowed open registration, with participants submitting written questions that were later reviewed and answered by relevant government agencies after careful deliberation.
Although the series has concluded, Chen said it will serve as a foundation for private professional groups to better understand how the government can craft and implement public health policies.
On the issue of cancer treatment, Lai said the government has proposed a NT$10 billion (US$307 million) fund for new cancer drugs, with NT$5 billion allocated this year and more funding planned if needed. He said a long-term reservoir of funds could be established depending on future demand for new treatments.
Lai urged the medical community to remain engaged in future forums, saying such participation was central to his vision of open government. He emphasized that involving medical professionals in policymaking and oversight would strengthen implementation.
The president also acknowledged the need to reform Taiwan’s national health insurance system, noting that while public satisfaction remains above 90%, adjustments are necessary after 30 years of operation. Lai called on the medical community to work collaboratively with the government to carry out needed reforms.
