At an award ceremony held today to honor doctors, nurses and medical teams for their contributions to Taiwan's pediatric care, Premier Mao Chi-kuo expressed hope that all health care providers can follow the examples of the award recipients and work together to safeguard children's health.
"There is still room for improvement in Taiwan's health care field, especially in pediatrics," said Mao. "With the birth rate declining in Taiwan, we are obligated to take good care of every child born in Taiwan so that they can thrive and realize their potential. Pediatrics plays a very important role in this effort."
The premier took the occasion to commend Dr. W.T. Soong, winner of the lifetime contribution award, for promoting research and care of children with autism.
"For more than forty years, Dr. Soong has regarded these children as his own, looking after them with the devoted love and care of a parent. This devotion is truly admirable," Mao said.
Premier Mao also gave thanks to the Raising Children Medical Foundation and its chairman, Frank Wu, for many years of dedication to children's health. The foundation has raised awareness of the field and provided subsidies for the treatment of children with severe and acute conditions. It has conferred the awards for contribution to pediatrics since 2005, which have been a key force in improving the quality of medical care for children.
The premier said that he will continue to consult experts in the field for a better understanding of how the government can best support pediatric care and children's health. Even though the structural problems will be difficult to resolve, the government must begin somewhere and further the work of bolstering children's health.
The Raising Children Medical Foundation noted that this year's ceremony focuses on the fullness of the love and dedication that pediatric care providers have for children. This year's special award is in the field of pediatric psychiatry, a reflection that the child is a complete being whose physical and mental health are equally deserving of attention.