TAIPEI (TVBS News)—The health minister addressed concerns on Monday (Dec. 16) over allegations of workplace bullying within the Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛福部). A leaked video showing a supervisor instructing employees to perform squats and push-ups raised questions about potential disciplinary actions.
Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) emphasized the importance of respecting external committee expertise and objective evidence in the investigation during a session at the Social Welfare and Environmental Hygiene Committee (立法院環境衛生委員會). Chiu stated that If it's exercise time and everyone willingly participates, it's understandable. Still, it must be reviewed if it goes against colleagues' wishes.
The controversy intensified when the investigation, led by Deputy Health Minister Lue Jen-der (呂建德), revealed that three out of eight cases were substantiated. The supervisor in the video faced disciplinary actions, including a minor demerit, two reprimands, and removal from their managerial role. However, the bullying allegations against the supervisor were not upheld.
Lue explained that reports do not require the complainant's name but must identify the perpetrator and specific evidence to curb a culture of anonymous accusations. Several legislators questioned the leniency of the penalties and called for a reinvestigation. Chiu responded by affirming that the ministry will respect the professional conclusions of external committee members.
