TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — More than 1,000 nurses and health care workers protested outside the health ministry on Tuesday, calling on the government to make nurse-patient ratio rules legally binding, CNA reported.
President Lai Ching-te (賴清德) had promised to write nurse-patient ratio rules for day, evening, and night shifts into law within two years of taking office. The Cabinet also approved a nursing workforce plan in July 2024 that included the same legal goal, with full implementation within four years, per CTEE.
Nursing groups said the ministry announced staffing standards in 2024 and has set aside more than NT$6 billion (US$185 million) a year for incentives. They said the standards and funding are already in place, but the legal process has stalled.
Taiwan Union of Nurses Associations Chair Chen Li-chin (陳麗琴) said the delay puts patient safety and care quality at risk. She said nurses could accept a transition period, but not repeated talks without clear progress, per UDN.
The groups made three demands. They called on the government to amend regulations governing medical facilities by May 20, draft changes to the Medical Care Act, and add penalties for hospitals that fail to follow staffing rules.
Department of Nursing and Health Care Director Tsai Shu-feng (蔡淑鳳) accepted a petition from the protesters. Tsai said the ministry would hold a meeting on May 8 to discuss the timeline, support measures, and staffing standards, per Yahoo News.
Tsai said nurse-patient ratio rules for each shift are important for patient safety, nurses, and the long-term future of medical care. She said the ministry would support nurses by building a stronger system.
Nursing groups said Taiwan has enough hospital beds but not enough nurses willing to stay in the profession. They said only a law can set clear staffing limits and prevent further delays.
