Taiwan to revamp hospital evaluation after 20 years

TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taiwan's Health and Welfare Minister Hsueh Jui-yuan announced on Friday (Jan. 26) that a major overhaul in hospital evaluation standards is underway. The ministry is also considering abolishing limits on the number of medical centers.

The imminent upheaval has launched a wave of discussion after rumors circulated that Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital might replace Taipei Municipal Wanfang Hospital as a frontrunner in the northern region's medical center this year. It has sparked concerns about the reliability of hospital assessments.

However, Hsueh was keen to stress that core concepts of tiered medical treatment won't be altered and plans for this year's evaluation won't be affected. He also responded to concerns by explaining that not all hospitals strive to achieve medical center status.

The evaluation standards for medical centers, which haven't changed in over 20 years, are now under scrutiny. The Minister noted that ratings have become increasingly similar, posing a challenge in distinguishing between hospitals. Hence, the ministry is mulling over amendments to these evaluation criteria.

The Minister highlighted an example of an outdated criterion: the mandatory inclusion of an Institutional Review Board (IRB). In the present day, every hospital already adheres to this system, rendering it ineffective as an evaluation measure.

Minister Hsueh noted that this year's evaluation results will be announced publically after a meeting. Meanwhile, following the release of new standards, medical centers willing to participate will undergo a trial evaluation. Modifications can then be made accordingly. A draft is expected to be implemented within two years, in time for the next evaluation round in three years.

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