After the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW) reported on its plans and outlook at today's Cabinet meeting, Premier Jiang Yi-huah expressed hope that under the leadership of Minister Chiu Wen-ta, the efforts of its personnel, its policy strategies and its innovative vision, the ministry would bring together the health and social welfare resources of the public and private sectors to help citizens lead healthy lifestyles and strengthen the social safety net.
"The Department of Health, social welfare agencies of the Ministry of the Interior and Ministry of Education's National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine were combined to create the MOHW, which was inaugurated July 23," the premier noted. "The restructuring of the government adapts essential services to changing times to meet the needs of citizens of modern society.
"The creation of the MOHW is itself in response to demographic changes, particularly the aging population and falling birthrate, as well as citizens' most pressing healthcare needs from cradle to grave. The MOHW's effective integration of healthcare and social welfare agencies will lead to more complete, immediate and efficient services."
Suggestions and expectations about the MOHW's organization and responsibilities were expressed by every sector of society over the course of the planning and legislative establishment of the agency, the premier noted. He asked the ministry to use these opinions as a reference and source of motivation and support and fully communicate with the public in a timely fashion to develop Taiwan as a happy, healthy and fair society in every respect.
Finally, observing that long-term care insurance is an important link of the social safety net that requires special attention given the need to prepare for the aging of the population, the premier asked Minister Chiu to quickly draw up plans for a comprehensive and efficient system for this service.