Taipei: The Executive Yuan has announced a significant change in Taiwan's health leadership, appointing National Health Insurance Administration (NHIA) Director-General Shih Chung-liang as the new health and welfare minister amid a Cabinet reshuffle. Additionally, the current Director General of the Centers for Disease Control, Chuang Jen-hsiang, will take on the role of deputy health and welfare minister.
According to Focus Taiwan, the Cabinet expressed optimism that Shih and Chuang would continue to advance the "Healthy Taiwan" policy, leveraging their expertise and communication skills. Both have been credited with establishing a strong foundation for disease prevention in Taiwan during the COVID-19 pandemic by effectively informing the public about its developments.
Chu Yi-hung, chairman of the Taiwan Community Hospital Association, commented on the appointments, describing them as fitting. He praised Shih's extensive experience within the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), including roles as head of the Department of Medical Affairs, deputy health minister, and chief of the NHIA. Chu hopes that Shih will drive reform in Taiwan's tiered medical care system to optimize primary health care institutions and address the imbalance of medical resources.
Chu also highlighted the challenges Shih will face, particularly the negotiation of the National Health Insurance (NHI) payment budget for 2026. He expressed hope that Shih would continue the current policy direction of viewing health as an investment, aiming to secure NT$70-80 billion (US$2.29-2.61 billion) for the 2025 NHI budget.
Hung Tzu-ren, Chairman of the Taiwan College of Healthcare Executive, commented on Shih's leadership qualities, noting his pragmatic, professional, and steady approach in medical and public health domains. Hung emphasized Shih's familiarity with medical policies and the challenges faced by frontline personnel, expressing hope that Shih would address issues such as drug tariffs, NHI reformation and sustainability, and improving working conditions for medical professionals.
Furthermore, Huang Chin-shun, Chairman of the Federation of Taiwan Pharmacists Associations, expressed confidence in Shih's ability to tackle pressing issues like the nursing and drug shortages and the NHI budget. Anna Yin, head of public affairs at the Taiwan Generic Pharmaceutical Association, also praised Shih for his open communication and innovative drug price reforms during his tenure as NHIA chief, emphasizing his focus on Taiwan's medical and pharmaceutical resilience.