TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Premier Chen Chien-jen announced on Saturday (Nov. 11) that the government plans to allocate at least NT＄20 billion in 2024 to subsidize healthcare workers' salaries.
Chen emphasized the health insurance system should not be built on the sweat and tears of medical staff.
The premier argued that healthcare workers should be sufficiently respected, appreciated, and paid within the healthcare system.
Chen stated that President Tsai Ing-wen had previously discussed with him, Minister of Health and Welfare Hsueh Jui-yuan, and National Health Insurance Administration Director Shi Chong-liang about enhancing medical personnel's salaries through health insurance and public budget.
Meanwhile, Hsueh indicated the proposed NT＄20 billion funds would be budgeted from public expenditures. The details of the budgeting are still under planning.
As the budget for fiscal year 2024 has been submitted to the Legislative Yuan, the newly proposed amount must be budgeted in 2024. If approved by the Legislative Yuan, it will officially roll out the following year.
Hsueh also stated that plans are still being formulated for the manner and target of subsidies.
