As the government is obligated to foster a more favorable work environment for nurses, the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) has been working on numerous nursing reforms, Premier Chang San-cheng stated today. The premier hopes the incoming administration will continue toward this goal so that nurses have a sound work environment.
With the nation facing the challenges of a low birthrate and an aging society, demand for medical care and long-term care is increasing, and nursing work is becoming increasingly difficult and burdensome, the premier noted.
In 2015 and 2016 alone, the nation has suffered the dengue fever outbreak, the Formosan Fun Coast Water Park powder explosion, the February 6 Tainan earthquake, and the crash of a rescue helicopter near a TS Lines Co.-operated container vessel stranded in Taiwan's north coast, said Chang, who has served in the Cabinet throughout this period. Without the care of professional nurses, the victims and their families would have neither known how to overcome their difficulties nor had faith in the government's administration, the premier stated.
Chang made these remarks at the 2016 International Nurses Day joint celebration. At this event 12 nurses were awarded for their professional contributions and dedicated services, and 2,191 nurses were honored for their more than 25 years of service, the MOHW stated. The premier expressed hope that the celebration will inspire these outstanding nurses to continue to "shine" and deliver their best, serving in their profession with enthusiasm, patience, love and empathy.