President Lai Ching-te elaborates on the Healthy Taiwan vision at a ceremony presenting awards to individuals and groups who combat illegal drug use, June 24 in Taipei City. (Courtesy of Presidential Office)

President Lai Ching-te said June 24 that the government is committed to working with the private sector to implement measures to combat illegal drugs, such as educating the public about their dangers. The president made the remarks while presenting awards to individuals and groups who made significant contributions to work against illegal drug use in Taipei City.

According to Lai, drugs not only endanger personal physical and mental health, but also family happiness, social stability and national development and thus have a serious impact on the country’s vision for a Healthy Taiwan. The establishment of the Healthy Taiwan Promotion Committee aims to keep both people and country healthy and stronger, he said, adding that combatting illegal drugs plays a key role in the concept.

Lai went on to say that the Executive Yuan New Generation Anti-Drug Strategy Guidelines launched in 2017 are succeeding. He added that the government will further strengthen its investigation into links between illegal drug flows and financial transactions.

As the third phase of the guidelines took effect earlier this year, the government is advancing work on tracing drug sources and preventing their entry to communities and campuses, Lai said, noting that education and early intervention for teenagers and high-risk groups are important areas of focus.

Ministries and agencies will expand addiction treatment resources and promote scientific and empirical treatment models, the president said. Such measures will be complemented by establishing a seamless recovery and support system so that addicts can return to society and rebuild their lives, he added. (YCH-E)