Vice President Chen Chien-jen celebrates the sixth anniversary of the MOHW July 23 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of Presidential Office)

Vice President Cheng Chien-jen said July 23 that Taiwan’s biomedical prowess is helping create a better and healthier future for the world.
 
Taiwan is among the leading countries when it comes to medical treatment and social welfare, Chen said. For example, the government’s community-based long-term care system is seen by many foreign experts as on par with similar plans in Germany and Japan, he added.
 
Chen made the remarks during an event in Taipei City marking the sixth anniversary of the Ministry of Health and Welfare and recognizing outstanding individual contributions in providing health care services and social welfare development.
 
According to Chen, Taiwan is also a front-runner in the medical tourism stakes. Around 410,000 foreigners visited last year for health checkups or treatment, he said, adding that this is further proof of the country’s status as a regional beacon of medical care and promotion.
 
Chen said biomedical development is a key component of the government’s five-plus-two innovative industries initiative. The farsighted initiative targets the other high-growth sectors of green energy, national defense, smart machinery and Internet of Things, as well as the promotion of a circular economy and a new paradigm for agricultural development.
 
Taiwan is deeply committed to sharing its expertise in related fields with like-minded partners, Chen said. The MOHW plays a front-line role in this regard by helping New Southbound Policy target countries enhance the quality of medical care and organizing medical missions, he added.
 
A key plank in the government’s national development strategy, the NSP seeks to enhance Taiwan’s agricultural, business, cultural, education, tourism and trade ties with the 10 Association of Southeast Asian Nations member states, six South Asian countries, Australia and New Zealand. (SFC-E)