TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Kuomintang (KMT) presidential candidate Hou Yu-ih on Thursday (Aug. 31) announced his "Five Arrows" healthcare policy if elected president.
Within the policy, Hou promised to prioritize healthcare spending to 8% of GDP, improve care for children and mothers, launch a nationwide mental healthcare plan, advance prevention for high-risk cancers, and ensure the transparency of vaccine and pharmaceutical purchases.
Hou spoke of plans including not only pay raises for nursing staff but also the establishment of a cancer foundation. To boost the local healthcare system, creating a larger vaccine fund and expediting approval of new drugs are also on his agenda.
An integral part of his proposal is the development of smart healthcare to improve the conditions in remote areas. He also affirmed the establishment of a cross-agency coordination committee in the Executive Yuan to expand the children's vaccine fund and offer comprehensive mother, and baby-friendly healthcare services.
Regarding chronic disease prevention, Hou proposed a national health plan targeting residents in areas reported to have exceeded the PM2.5 index over the past five years and easing the standards for free low-dose CT scans. Hou is committed to launching an Executive Yuan-level mental health plan and optimizing psychological health support for the younger demographic.
The KMT candidate pledged to investigate any irregularities in vaccine procurement should he be elected president and emphasized his commitment to promoting transparency in vaccine and pharmaceutical purchases.
