On April 27, 2025, President Lai Ching-te concluded the fifth and final session of the Healthy Taiwan forums at Taipei Veterans General Hospital. The event focused on gathering feedback from medical professionals across Taiwan to enhance healthcare policies.
The Healthy Taiwan forums formed a central part of Lai’s election promise to engage with doctors nationwide. Throughout the series, over 1,200 participants joined discussions in northern, central, southern, and eastern Taiwan, according to CNA reports.
Healthy Taiwan forums covered ten critical healthcare themes, including mental health expansion, child and adolescent care, and overall service quality improvements. Participants also discussed adopting a national health charter to guide future reforms.
Chen Jyh-hong, former superintendent of National Cheng Kung University Hospital, convened the forum. He stressed that the Healthy Taiwan forums aimed to tackle the root causes of systemic healthcare issues, encouraging doctors to prioritize their core medical missions.
Additionally, Chen explained that each session welcomed open registration, allowing participants to submit written questions. Relevant government agencies carefully reviewed these questions and responded after thoughtful deliberation.
Although the Healthy Taiwan forums have ended, Chen emphasized that they will serve as a foundation for private professional groups. He highlighted that understanding government policy processes would help shape future healthcare improvements.
Cancer treatment was another major discussion point. President Lai announced a NT$10 billion (US$307 million) fund dedicated to new cancer drugs. This year, NT$5 billion will be allocated, with additional funding planned depending on future treatment demands.
Lai urged medical professionals to continue participating in similar forums to maintain open communication between the government and healthcare providers. He underscored that collaboration would strengthen policy implementation and benefit the entire healthcare system.
Furthermore, Lai acknowledged the urgent need to reform Taiwan’s national health insurance system. Although public satisfaction exceeds 90%, he stated that updates are necessary after 30 years of service.
President Lai called on the medical community to work together with the government in shaping a more resilient and responsive healthcare system. The Healthy Taiwan forums successfully showcased the importance of continuous dialogue and cooperation in health policymaking.
