In anticipation of the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, Premier Jiang Yi-huah asked the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) to make sure that government agencies and businesses are stepping up efforts to protect the public's well-being and staying alert to the spread of communicable diseases. He gave the instructions at today's Cabinet meeting after hearing the ministry's plan for safeguarding citizens' health and welfare over the holiday season (January 30 to February 4 this year).
The premier requested that the MOHW set up liaison windows and response mechanisms to accompany the plan, which consists of five main measures:
- Offer support and emergency assistance to the disadvantaged
- Arrange home visits and provide counseling services
- Ensure public access to medical care is undisrupted
- Stay vigilant against the spread of disease
- Step up food safety inspections
As for disadvantaged families who have recently been affected by misfortune or unemployment but are not covered by the welfare system, the MOHW will ask local governments to see to it that these people receive the care and assistance they need for the holidays from community organizations, borough leaders or volunteer networks.
Premier Jiang also pointed out that many needy people are unfamiliar with the assistance channels provided by the government, such as the 1-1-3 protection hotline and the 1-9-5-7 welfare consultation hotline. He instructed the MOHW to step up publicity over the next two weeks to help people understand the channels through which they can turn to the government for assistance.
The premier also took the occasion to express gratitude to all the government functionaries as well as social welfare and volunteer workers who will be on duty during the Lunar New Year holiday. He requested government heads to convey his thanks during their inspection visits over that period.