TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Health Minister Chiu Tai-yuan (邱泰源) warned on Tuesday (Dec. 24) that the recent amendments to the "Act Governing the Allocation of Government Revenues and Expenditures" (財政收支劃分法) will significantly impact public health and social welfare funding. Speaking at a press conference, Chiu highlighted the potential financial strain on cancer prevention initiatives, the expansion of government-funded cancer screenings, the subsidies, and the cancer drug fund.
The Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW, 衛福部) plans to adjust and expand the age and scope of critical cancer screening projects next year, increasing subsidies. However, the legislative amendments may cause these plans to face setbacks. The budget for addressing low birth rates will also be affected. Chiu explained that policies for childcare subsidies for children aged 0 to 2, various childcare programs, and subsidies for infertility treatments might experience disruptions.
He emphasized the national significance of health and welfare policies, stating that the central government must have sufficient power to improve healthcare and social welfare, enhancing medical quality and working conditions for medical staff. The Legislative Yuan (立法院) recently passed the amendments, which, if enacted, could severely impact next year's budget. Executive Yuan Spokesperson Michelle Lee (李慧芝) noted on Monday that the amendments lack an effective date.
Still, once the president announces them, they will take effect within three days, potentially necessitating a complete budget overhaul for the coming year. The Directorate General of Budget, Accounting, and Statistics (主計總處) estimated that the central government must release NT$375.3 billion to local governments, which could lead to a 28% reduction in funding for health, welfare, and defense projects.
