Vice President Chen Chien-jen delivers his opening address at the Global Health Forum Oct. 20 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of Presidential Office)
Taiwan is a vital member of the global public health community and is working to expand medical collaboration and information sharing with countries throughout the Asia-Pacific, Vice President Chen Chien-jen said Oct. 20.
The country is leading the way in many aspects of health care, Chen said. This is illustrated by the success of the National Health Insurance system and its top-spot ranking in a related advisory released by respected Ceoworld Magazine in August, he added.
Chen made the remarks at the opening ceremony of the 2019 Global Health Forum in Taiwan. Organized by the Ministries of Health and Welfare and Foreign Affairs, the two-day event involved 1,500 experts and officials from 33 countries and territories discussing key issues such as aging societies, chronic disease, data analysis and technology applications, urban environments and public health.
According to Chen, Taiwan is expected to become a super-aged society with 20 percent of the population aged 65 years or older by 2026. This is why the government is leaving no stone unturned in promoting the Long-term Care Plan 2.0, he said.
The 10-year initiative is a community-based services network integrating medical care and preventative health care resources. It aims to establish a comprehensive care system that promotes aging in place—the ability to live safely and independently in one’s home or community regardless of age, ability or income level.
Taiwan has also made headway in bringing local laws and regulations for pharmaceuticals and medical devices more in line with the international standards, Chen said, citing the country’s participation as an official member in the recently staged biannual meeting of International Council for Harmonization of Technical Requirements for Pharmaceuticals for Human Use.
Chen said the New Southbound Policy is another important platform for Taiwan to share its medical know-how and build a seamless regional disease prevention network. Going forward, greater efforts will be dedicated to cultivating more mutually beneficial opportunities for Taiwan and the 18 target countries, he added.
A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to deepen Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand. (YCH-E)
